WHEN hearing a drink driving matter against a 19-year-old Charles Sturt University (CSU) student, magistrate Michael Allen said his message was a simple one.
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He told Patrick James Fahy, of Avonlea Place, Orange, that while it is fine to have a few beers and enjoy yourself socially, you shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car.
Fahy was stopped by police at Mount Panorama after they saw him driving erratically on Pit Straight while displaying P-plates.
A blood alcohol reading of .059 was taken, resulting in a charge of driving with the low range prescribed concentration of alcohol in his blood.
“I can speak to you until I am blue in the face, but it’s a simple message,” Mr Allen said.
The court was told at 4.30pm on April 21, police were patrolling Mount Panorama when they saw a driver with P-plates driving erratically down Pit Straight.
Police followed the vehicle and caught up with it in Hinton Road. There were three males in the car.
Solicitor Evan Dowd said the accused drove to The Towers residential block on the CSU campus, with the intention of taking a bus to the races.
He ended up having two beers, missed the bus and instead drove to the Mt Panorama circuit.
Mr Fahy is studying nursing at CSU.
Mr Dowd said he needs a licence because he is currently working as a wardsman at Orange Base Hospital, and has a practical course in two and a half months time.
The solicitor said the accused does not get any Centrelink benefits and is a man of limited means.
“His remorse is clear,” he said.
“He takes this matter seriously. He has done the traffic offenders program, and his parents are here with him today.”
Mr Allen said the young man’s prospects are good, he has a good work ethic, and is working hard to make ends meet.
He fined Fahy $250 and disqualified him from driving for three months.
