A man who was caught drink driving told a court losing his licence and relying on friends and family to drive him to work had taught him a valuable lesson.
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Scott Pollard said he had learnt having a licence was a privilege not a right since he lost it in February last year.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Giles Brown said Pollard was caught speeding at 70km/h in a 60km/h zone on Grant Street in Sebastopol about 11am on February 21, 2020.
A breath test showed a reading of 0.169, more than three times over the legal blood alcohol concentration limit.
His car was impounded and his licence was immediately disqualified.
The court heard Pollard told police he had consumed half a bottle of wine between 10am to 10.30am that day and he was driving to get something to eat.
I have learnt a valuable lesson not having a licence, that it is a privilege not a right.
- Scott Pollard
He has no criminal history.
Representing himself at court, Pollard said he was on holidays at the time and it was 'uncharacteristic', 'stupid' and 'impulsive' of him to drink in the morning and then drive.
"I have learnt a valuable lesson not having a licence, that it is a privilege not a right," he said.
"It has been a hard 16 months relying on friends and family to get to work."
Pollard said he had a drinking problem for a while and suffered depression but was now on medication and seeing a counsellor.
Magistrate Fiona Hayes said Pollard was 'very lucky' he did not hit anyone.
"Hang around a hospital long enough you know exactly what happens to people in car crashes," she said.
"It is a very high reading I must say."
Pollard was fined $700.
He was disqualified from driving for 16 months from the date of the offence, meaning he will be able to get his licence back soon if he completes the required drink driving course and gets an interlock device.
"Good luck and continue to stay away from alcohol. It is the best thing for you," Ms Hayes said.
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