Christopher Thornberry appeared in Orange Local Court on Thursday charged with low-range drink driving on June 17 and mid-range drink-driving just over a month later on July 19. 

The magistrate, Terry Lucas, gave him a six month disqualification from driving, backdated to the date of the second offence, and fined him $1500, as well as $300 for charges including driving with an unrestrained dog, not displaying P plates and towing an unsecured load. 

Mr Lucas did not convict him of the first offence.

Thornberry can re-apply for his licence next month. 

His solicitor Tim Dalla said his client’s life had spiralled out of control during the time of the offences and he had not consumed alcohol since the last offence.

“It was a huge wake-up call,” Mr Dalla said.

“He was chronically depressed and had been medicated, not only on antidepressants but also alcohol.”

The Burrendong Way resident had a previous charge of mid-range drink-driving in 2007 and had been convicted of driving recklessly in a manner dangerous. 

He was arrested about 6.40pm on Saturday, July 19 after he was pulled over because the trailer he was towing did not have working lights. 

Police facts said he smelled strongly of alcohol and he was subjected to a random breath test.

His blood-alcohol-reading was 0.128. 

He told officers he had consumed three or four cans of rum and cola. 

He told them he did not have P plates on the car because it belonged to his boss and that was why he did not notice the lights were not working because he did not load the trailer. 

When asked why the dog in the back was not restrained he said he did not know. 

Thornberry had completed the PCYC Traffic Offenders Intervention Program and the Magistrates early Referral Into Treatment Plan.