Jordan Simpson: Bronte Cinematographer blames drink driving motorcycle crash on injured ACL

A reputable cinematographer who crashed his motorbike when he was more than three times over the legal blood alcohol limit originally blamed the accident on a recent ACL injury.

The owner of a successful cinematographer business in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has told the court a drunken motorbike crash, in which he was more than three times the legal limit, was a big wake-up call.

A passer-by saw Jordan Simpson, 29, lying on the road near the intersection of Ramsgate Av and Campbell Pde, North Bondi after he had fallen off his motorbike about 9.15pm on August 17, facts tendered to Waverley Local Court reveal.

Emergency services arrived to treat the Bronte man.

“The accused claimed due to recent injury on his ACL, his leg gave out under him,” the facts read, adding he looked noticeably drunk and omitted a “pungent smell of alcohol”.

A roadside alcohol test returned a high-range positive reading of 0.165.

Jordan James Simpson (right) leaves court with his lawyer after facing a drink driving charge.

Magistrate Ross Hudson said documents tendered to court state Simpson had worked hard to build his successful cinematography business.

“References say over the last eight years his cinematography has gone from 0 to 100 plus and his reputation in that industry is well-known,” Magistrate Hudson said.

“He’s extremely professional; he’s well respected”.

But Magistrate Hudson said he could not ignore the accident and the high range reading.

“Did his knee give out because it just gave out or also because of the alcohol in addition to his knee? Well, he smelled like alcohol,” Magistrate Hudson asked.

“Thankfully the accident only involved himself. He says it’s been a big wake up call.”

Magistrate Hudson convicted Simpson of high range drink driving, fined him $650 and suspended his licence for the minimum period of six months, backdated to 17 April.

A six month interlock period — in which he will need a breathalyser on his car — will follow.