Magistrate criticises former premier Steve Bracks' son Nathan Bracks over drinking habits

A MAGISTRATE has criticised former premier Steve Bracks' son for not adequately dealing with his drinking habits.

A MAGISTRATE has criticised former premier Steve Bracks' son for not adequately dealing with his drinking habits after the loss of his licence for drink-driving in 2007.

Nick Bracks appeared at Sunshine Magistrates' Court in an effort to have a court-imposed alcohol interlock device removed from his vehicle.

The court heard the 22-year-old recorded a .031 blood alcohol reading on the device a day after a big drinking session to celebrate a friend's birthday.

Magistrate John Bentley told Bracks he was concerned at his level of drinking and inability to recognise he was under the influence before getting behind the wheel. "There's a bit more you need to do," he said.

"You've recorded .031 late in the day. You're misjudging your timing and are still drinking a fair bit."

Bracks was fined $750 and banned from driving for 15 months in November 2007 after a drunken car smash in Williamstown. He lost control of the family Saab at a roundabout in Melbourne Rd and crashed into a tree.

The car was a write-off and Bracks, then a P-plater, later recorded a blood-alcohol level of .129.

He pleaded guilty to drink-driving, exceeding the speed limit and careless driving.

The crash was held partly responsible for Steve Bracks' shock resignation as premier two weeks later.

Nick Bracks was supported in court at the time by his parents, who were not in court.

A remorseful Nick Bracks told the magistrate he'd tried to reduce his alcohol intake, but accepted his actions had been inexcusable.

"I've learned I have to be 100 per cent careful," he said.

"I've tried to control my drinking habits ... the risks are the next day I could be over the limit."

Mr Bentley said Bracks was fortunate the alcohol interlock device stopped him from starting the car.

"You could have driven off and been caught drink-driving again," he said. "You would've done your licence for another 12 months."

Nick Bracks told the court he would endeavour to drink lower-strength beer and buy a breath-testing machine.

Mr Bentley ordered the alcohol interlock device be removed.

A relieved Nick Bracks told the Herald Sun he would strive to set a good example: "I want to be an advocate for responsible drinking."