A father who was caught speeding whilst almost three times the legal alcohol limit with his young children in the car will be off the roads for nine months.
Benjamin Vincent Brown, 27, of Long Beach, was sentenced in Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday after he was charged with mid-range drink driving in July.
Police said Brown was pulled over on the Kings Highway at Batemans Bay after officers detected him travelling at 126km/h in a 100km/h zone.
“Police approached the driver’s door and observed the accused ... with his partner … and two small children, no older than four years, seated in the rear,” police said.
Brown returned a reading of 0.145, almost three times the legal blood alcohol limit, after telling police he had consumed six stubbies of beer that day.
Brown’s defence solicitor said he made the decision to get behind the wheel after his wife had received distressing personal news and was unable to drive to a family dinner that night.
She said Brown admitted “the decision he made was a very poor decision” and was “extremely remorseful” for his actions.
Police approached the driver’s door and observed the accused .. with his partner … and two small children, no older than four years, seated in the rear.
- Police
Before sentencing him, magistrate Michael Stoddart gave Brown a dressing down and made an impassioned plea for road safety – which reduced the accused to tears.
“What’s good about having your kids and your partner in the car, travelling at 126km in a 100 zone almost three times the limit?” Mr Stoddart said.
“Speed and alcohol are the two main killers.
“You weren’t in a fit state to drive.
“You’ve put your kids and other road users at risk.
“It’s a disgrace and you don’t deserve to have a licence.”
Stoddart questioned Brown’s personal references, which described him as a “good family man” and the offence as being “out of character”.
Brown had a previous drink driving conviction.
He received a $1500 fine and was disqualified from driving for nine months.
