A man drove at more than 90km/h on Burnbank Street in a 60km/h zone and was later found to be more than three times over the legal blood alcohol limit, a court has heard.
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Liam Mudge told police he had drunk 10 beers before getting in the car and did not think about being over the limit when he made the decision to drive.
He pleaded guilty to speeding and drink driving at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ben Jones said Mudge was given an immediate 12 month licence suspension when he blew 0.158 and his car was impounded at a cost of $1400.
Mudge told the court he apologised for his actions that were 'inappropriate' and unacceptable'.
Magistrate Ron Saines said Mudge had decided to drive when he knew he was 'grossly intoxicated'.
"This was not a case of 'am I 0.4 or 0.7?', this was 'can I find my car, can I find my keys, can I see the white line?'," he said.
"Your decision to drive in that state is a danger to yourself and more significantly to other people.
"You need to adopt a wholly different mindset for the decisions you make. If you don't have a strict policy upon doing that sort of thing you will end up spending time in prison."
Mr Saines imposed an 18 month licence disqualification commencing from the time of the offence in August 2020.
Mudge was fined $1250 and ordered to pay court costs.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
