Terence Hazell disqualified for drink driving

Terence Harold Hazell, 69, of Gunning, appeared before Goulburn Local Court on August 18. He previously pleaded guilty to mid-range drink-driving at Yass Local Court.

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"As a first responder [the offender] may well have been involved in the consequences of these type of offences," said Magistrate Geraldine Beattie during sentencing.

Defence solicitor Sam Rowland had earlier argued his client's early plea was "evidence of remorse and contrition".

He said Hazell had no criminal record and a limited driving record after holding a licence for nearly 50 years.

Mr Rowland told the court Hazell was a "respected contributor to the community", and a former captain of the local fire brigade.

He said the sixth generation farmer was a "man of impeccable character".

He argued Hazell was at low risk of re-offending, and it was not his manner of driving but a Random Breath Test that resulted in the charge.

Mr Rowland said Hazell's licence had been suspended since June 19, 2021 and his client had a "genuine and significant need for a licence".

He argued the offender lived on a property between Gunning and Yass and had a "need to transport stock which he hasn't done for two months now".

In addition, he argued Hazell needed to care for his 95-year-old father who had recently had a stroke.

He urged Magistrate Beattie to deal with the matter as "leniently as you possibly see fit".

The magistrate told the court that Hazell's reading of 0.114 was well over twice the legal limit.

She said Hazell had consumed six schooners of beer over two hours and then drove.

"Police describe [Hazell] as having bloodshot eyes and smelling of alcohol," she said.

The magistrate took into account Hazell's good character.

"Your community clearly regards you very highly," she said.

Magistrate Beattie told the court he regularly undertook volunteer work and charity drives.

Hazell was convicted, fined $1200, and disqualified from driving for three months with a 12-month interlock order.

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