Beechwood Cricket Club president forced to face court after blowing mid-range after night out at Coffs Harbour NRL game

A Mid-North Coast cricket official has been forced to face a Coffs court after he was sprung “morning-after” drink driving, despite trying to do the right thing.

Jak Dobbyns was convicted of “morning-after” mid-range drink driving. The court heard he waited, ate food and slept, but still blew over. Picture: Facebook

It did not cross the mind of a “respected” Mid-North Coast cricket official that he might be over the limit when he got behind the wheel hours after a night out at a Coffs NRL match.

Jak Dobbyns faced Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday for sentencing on a mid-range drink driving charge.

Defence lawyer Todd Ritchie said the 34-year-old waited before he hopped in the car and believed he was safe to drive.

The court heard Dobbyns enjoyed a good night’s sleep, showered and ate breakfast before he hit the road on the morning of May 21.

But an illegal U-turn at the Marcia St lights on the Pacific Hwy about 9am drew the attention of police to Dobbyns’ Landcruiser four-wheel drive.

Dobbyns failed a breath test and told officers he had downed “a few alcoholic beverages” before he “ceased drinking at midnight”, police state in court documents.

The Marcia St traffic lights on the Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour. Picture: Google

He was arrested and returned a follow-up breath analysis of 0.107 at Woolgoolga Police Station – more than twice the legal alcohol limit for driving.

Mr Ritchie told the court Dobbyns, president of Beechwood Cricket Club, had no criminal record and was active in the community, supporting a number of fundraisers.

“It’s a very good record, especially for a young man,” he said.

Mr Ritchie asked if the court would consider a conditional release order without conviction.

However, Magistrate Julia Virgo said Dobbyns’ blood alcohol reading for a “morning-after” drink driving offence was “significant”.

Ms Virgo agreed Dobbyns came before the court as a person of good character, but convicted and fined him $250. His licence was disqualified for three months.

Dobbyns will have to use an alcohol interlock device for 12 months once back on the road.

Originally published as Beechwood Cricket Club president forced to face court after blowing mid-range after night out at Coffs Harbour NRL game