Ettalong man Darren Quimby avoids jail after sixth drink-driving offence

An Ettalong roofer with a shocking record of drink-driving and licence breaches has been sentenced after being caught behind the wheel while suspended and over the limit for the sixth time.

Darren Quimby pleaded guilty to driving above the mid range prescribed alcohol limit. Picture: NewsLocal

An Ettalong roofer with a long and troubling history of drink-driving has dodged jail despite being caught behind the wheel while over the limit for the sixth time and driving on a suspended licence.

Darren Quimby, 53, pleaded guilty in the Gosford Local Court to driving while suspended and driving above the mid range prescribed alcohol limit.

Police facts state on June 4, Quimby was stopped on Ocean View Rd, Ettalong because he had an unregistered trailer which he was towing.

When police checked his licence, they discovered that he was suspended from driving as a result of a previous drug driving offence.

Quimby was then breath tested where he returned a positive result for alcohol.

Quimby pleaded guilty in the Gosford Local Court.

He was arrested and taken to Woy Woy Police Station where a breath analysis revealed Quimby’s reading of 0.087.

Quimby told officers he consumed two VB Long Necks of beer between 3pm and 4pm and had no food while drinking.

Quimby was taken to Woy Woy Police Station. Picture: Google Maps

“When speaking with the accused his breath smelt slightly of intoxicating liquor and his eyes were slightly blood shot,” court documents state.

Quimby’s lawyer told the court her client was pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity and was driving at the time because he did not receive a notification to say his licence was suspended, and was of the belief he was able to drive.

She told the court her client has had problems with alcohol consumption but was taking steps to address his issues and had expressed remorse for his actions.

Magistrate Elizabeth Ellis said a term of imprisonment must be considered, given Quimby’s driving record.

Quimby had consumed VB long necks before he was pulled over.

“He says his licence is important to him, but his driving history shows it is the courts responsibility to take care of it because Mr Quimby does not take care of his licence,” Ms Ellis said.

Quimby was sentenced to a 12 month intensive corrections order and was disqualified from driving for six months and ordered to undertake 150 hours community service.

Originally published as Ettalong man Darren Quimby avoids jail after sixth drink-driving offence