Peter Katsibiris: ACT man busted drink driving to Batemans Bay Bunnings

A former air force pilot has been busted drink driving to a South Coast Bunnings to pick up lawnmower oil after downing multiple beers, a court has heard.

Peter Katsibiris leaving Batemans Bay Local Court.

A former air force pilot who holidays on the NSW South Coast has been busted drink driving while on a Bunnings run to pick up some oil for his lawnmower, a court has heard.

The incident saw Peter Katsibiris, 58, wind up in Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, pleading guilty to a charge of mid range drink driving.

Documents tendered to the court reveal the Isaacs ACT man – who owns a holiday home on the South Coast – was driving his Mazda BT50 along the Princes Hwy outside Batemans Bay on the evening of December 23 last year.

However, the court heard on Monday how Katsibiris enjoyed four Carlton Draught stubbies before making the trip to the Batemans Bay Bunnings, where he said he needed to purchase oil for his lawnmower.

During the drive, Katsibiris was pulled over by Highway Patrol officers who were completing random breath tests outside the Bay Aquatic and Performing Arts Centre.

Agreed facts state the officers immediately smelt liquor emitting from the vehicle and could see Katsibiris was affected by alcohol.

A breath test was completed, providing a positive reading of .084 – more than one and a half times the legal limit.

Peter Katsibiris was on his way to the Batemans Bay Bunnings when he was busted drink driving.

Katsibiris was arrested and taken to the Batemans Bay Police Station, where a second test confirmed the result.

The ACT man had his licence suspended and was given a court attendance notice.

In court on Monday, a self represented Katsibiris said he drank the four beers at his holiday home before making the trip to the hardware store.

“I just needed to get oil for my lawnmower,” he said.

The 58-year-old then informed the court of his past career, before Magistrate Doug Dick could move onto sentencing.

“I used to be an Air Force pilot,” Katsibiris said.

“That’s great,” Mr Dick replied.

Mr Dick said there was never an excuse to get behind the wheel after drinking multiple beers.

“Surely something like buying oil for a lawnmower could have waited until the next day,” he said.

However, due to the length of time between Katsibiris’ last driving offence, Mr Dick said he would reduce the time off the road to the minimum.

Katsibiris was convicted, fined $800, had his licence disqualified for three months and will need to have an interlock device installed in his vehicle when his licence returns.