A designated driver has landed in court after consuming alcohol on a night out with friends.
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Lachlan Gregory Croker, 19, of Crestwood Drive, Goulburn, was convicted of mid-range drink-driving.
Goulburn Local Court heard on September 30 that Croker was pulled over for a random breath test on August 30, 2020, and returned a mid-range blood-alcohol concentration reading. The court heard that Croker had gone to a licensed establishment in Goulburn earlier that evening with friends. Despite being the designated driver, Croker consumed five schooners of Canadian Club whiskey.
Solicitor Sam Roland said his client had driven a short distance after leaving the premises before he was pulled over by police. He said a friend of Croker's had "misbehaved" and Croker had made the decision to remove him from the building and drive to a friend's house.
Mr Rowland said Croker was a "person of good character" as reflected in references provided to the court and the presence of his mother.
"The decision [to drink-drive] is not one he would've made with a sober mind," Mr Rowland said.
"He can demonstrate significant insight into his offending and has gained significant education [after completing a drink-driving course]."
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie took Croker's age and early guilty plea into account.
She said the conviction was an opportunity for a "wake-up call".
"People need to get it into their heads that if you drink, you don't drive.
"Drink-driving is a very serious offence which commonly comes before the courts."
The Magistrate considered Croker's limited finances as a first-year apprentice when she handed down her decision.
"You didn't take into account the need for your licence, your future career prospects and the future of the other people in the car," Magistrate Beattie said.
Croker was disqualified from driving for three months and fined $500.
