A drunk and unlicensed driver who crashed into a stationary car when he had an alcohol reading six times the legal limit was sentenced to jail in Orange Local Court by magistrate David Day.
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Stephen Power, 57, of Clinton Street, had not renewed his driver's licence since it expired in 1984 but was driving a Hyundai Accent north on Hill Street on December 21.
"He shouldn't have been driving anyway because he didn't have a licence," Mr Day said.
About 2pm he approached the Margaret Street intersection and attempted to turn left but collided with a stationary car at the intersection.
On my instructions when he arrived at the police station he felt OK, that means he's a rusted-on alcoholic.
- Solicitor Su Healy
The car was waiting to turn onto Hill Street when Power hit the front of the vehicle.
According to police he attempted to drive away from the scene but bystanders removed the keys from the ignition to his vehicle.
His car later had to be towed from the scene.
When police and ambulance arrived, they noticed Power appeared to be significantly affected by alcohol, smelt strongly of intoxicating liquor, was unsteady on this feet, was unable to follow directions and was slurring his speech.
MAP: The intersection where the crash took place ...
After failing a breath test he was arrested and taken to Orange Police Station where he returned a high range reading of 0.3, six times the legal limit.
He told police at the time that he had three standard glasses of white wine between 10am and 1pm as well as a toasted sandwich and he said he was an alcoholic.
Solicitor Su Healy said Power had engaged with community corrections before appearing in court for sentencing and had demonstrated remorse.
"On my instructions when he arrived at the police station he felt OK, that means he's a rusted-on alcoholic," Ms Healy said.
Power was given a nine-month jail sentence with a six-month non-parole period but he was released on bail after launching a severity appeal that is to be heard in district court.
He was also convicted of driving while unlicensed and negligent driving not occasioning death or grievous bodily harm.
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