Jeff Garlett: Ex-AFL player DUI nearly five times over alcohol limit

An ex-AFL player has pleaded guilty to drink driving at almost five times over the limit after he was busted in Albury.

Former footy player Jeffrey Garlett has pleaded guilty to drink driving while almost five-times the legal alcohol limit, telling police he had downed at least 10 beers but only eaten “chips and Twisties”.

The former Melbourne and Carlton player appeared at Albury Local Court on Monday charged with high-range drink driving.

The 31-year-old moved to Albury in 2020 after being signed with the Albury Football Club, who are known as the Tigers.

Court documents revealed on November 15, 2020, at about midnight, police witnessed Garlett go straight through a red light on North St in Albury.

Police pulled Garlett over, asking when he had last had something to drink.

Garlett replied: “About 45 minutes ago, I’m over the limit.”

Police took Garlett to the police station to undergo a secondary breath test, where he recorded a reading of 0.241.

Garlett told police he had been drinking from 3pm to 11pm.

“I had 10-12 schooners of Carlton Dry. I only ate chips and Twisties,” Garlett told police.

Garlett’s defence solicitor Angus Lingham told the court that following his client’s 10 year football career, he had worked hard to establish his life outside of the AFL.

“He’s now working for a school with disadvantaged children …” Mr Lingham said.

“My client accepts full responsibility for his conduct and has completed the Traffic Offenders Program.”

Magistrate Richard Funston was concerned about what kind of message Garlett’s behaviour would send as a role model for children.

“A person that has had a 10 year professional football career, I have to balance that up with a person who has gone out, drunk himself stupid, and then drove …this is appalling conduct. Mr Funston said.

“Your plea of guilty is significant, but seriously 10-12 schooners on a Saturday night and then driving …

“What kind of message does that send?”

Garlett was sentenced to a 12 month Intensive Corrections Order with supervision, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

“This now becomes part of your story, and how you rehabilitate yourself from this,” Mr Funston said.