Police v Neville Betts (Albury Local Court, Murray M, 28 January 2014), reported in the Border Mail, 29 January 2014, p. 12.

Facts

The defendant was stopped by police and found to be driving with a blood alcohol reading of 0.170. On the day in question he had attended the grave of his son, who had died 17 years earlier as a result of an assault. After going to the grave, he attended a hotel and drank heavily.

Dispute

The defendant was charged with high range drink driving, to which he pleaded guilty. He was represented by solicitor Mark Cronin.

Ruling

The court noted (and presumably took into account) the date on which the offence occurred. The defendant was sentenced to a 12 month driving ban, a $400.00 fine and an 18 month bond (a condition of which was that he complete a drink-driver education course).