NRL great Nathan Merritt caught high-range drink driving in Petersham
NRL great Nathan Merritt has spent the night behind bars after being caught drink driving in Sydney’s inner west.
NSW
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NRL great Nathan Merritt spent Saturday night behind bars after being caught drink-driving at more than three times the legal limit in Sydney’s inner west.
The former South Sydney Rabbitohs champion was stopped by NSW Police about 11pm on Saturday after running a red light on New Canterbury Rd in Petersham.
He was out at the time despite being subject to bail conditions that included a 9pm curfew.
Officers breath-tested Merritt, who returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.184.
Merritt subsequently faced Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday, when he pleaded guilty to high-range drink-driving and was fined $1500.
The 41-year-old had his licence disqualified for eight months and will be required to fit an interlock device to his car when he resumes driving.
Merritt found himself in hot water earlier this year after allegedly assaulting his partner Faith Phillips and then tussling with security guards outside a CBD pub.
The veteran of 237 NRL games was granted bail on those charges in February and is yet to enter pleas.
It was accepted in court on Sunday that he had breached the conditions of his bail.
After pleading guilty to high-range drink-driving he was granted bail again, with the strict conditions that include a requirement for him to be at home between 9pm and 6am.
Merritt scored 154 tries during his first grade career between 2002 and 2014, and played a lone State of Origin game for NSW.
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Originally published as NRL great Nathan Merritt caught high-range drink driving in Petersham
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