Criminal barrister busted drink-driving, speeding in Beamer cops $1700 in fines

A PROMINENT Darwin criminal barrister busted drink-driving in his silver BMW at more than 10km/h over the limit on the Arnhem Hwy has been slapped with $1700 in fines

A PROMINENT Darwin criminal barrister busted drink-driving in his silver BMW at more than 10km/h over the limit on the Arnhem Hwy has been slapped with $1700 in fines.

Shane McMaster pleaded guilty in the Darwin Local Court to mid range drink-driving and speeding after recording a blood-alcohol reading of 0.086 on the morning of December 19 last year.

His own barrister, Jon Tippett QC, told the court McMaster had been drinking with friends the night before and decided to drive home in the morning before being pulled over for speeding.

“This was one of those evenings where some drinks were had, he woke up in the morning, he felt quite confident that he was able to drive,” he said.

MORE NT COURT NEWS

Cop’s cocaine dealing arose out of drug-fuelled affair with fellow officer, court hears

Former Jabiru firefighter walks away with suspended sentence for beating up wife, relatives

NTG yet to decide whether to refund dodgy speeding fines following court ruling

Centre NATS organisers facing legal action over 2017 fire injuries

“He was breathalysed only because he answered honestly police questions as to whether he had been drinking the night before.”

Mr Tippett said McMaster had volunteered extensively in the community, including by serving as vice president of the Criminal Lawyers Association of the NT for the past three years.

“He’s obviously embarrassed by the fact that he comes before your honour, he’s a person who’s made an error of judgment,” he said.

Shane McMaster outside the Darwin Local Court.

In fining McMaster and banning him from the road for six months, judge Greg Macdonald said while he would not punish him more harshly because of his job, he “should know better” as it was not his first drink-driving offence.

“It’s particularly disappointing to have you appear before the court in circumstances where you represent countless people who have made this mistake themselves (and) you know how seriously the court takes drink-driving,” he said.

“I do accept that you’re a strong contributor, not just to the legal profession but to the community.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

“It’s most unfortunate that you made the mistake you did on the 19th of December but as you know it’s not uncommon for people to have a big night then get in their vehicle the next day and ultimately go over (the limit).”

McMaster is a highly-regarded and experienced criminal lawyer with Maley's Barristers & Solicitors in Darwin.

Follow @jas_walls