A YOUNG man has relied on his prior good character and religious beliefs to have a drink-driving charge dismissed.
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Rowan Jay Kennard, 20, appeared in Bathurst Local Court last week after successfully completing the Traffic Offenders Program.
He pleaded guilty to driving with low-range alcohol and doing donuts in a four-wheel-drive at a camping ground near Trunkey Creek about 6pm on April 14.
Kennard, who registered a blood alcohol reading of 0.075, said he had consumed five beers between 12.30pm and 4.30pm.
His behaviour at the camping ground had been reported to police by a park ranger who reported skid marks on the ground and damage to a sign. But Kennard denied damaging any property.
He had been polite, co-operative and remorseful when he’d been stopped driving a blue Landcruiser on Abercrombie Caves Road with four passengers.
Solicitor Mark Ireland said Kennard, of Boundary Road, Robin Hill did not dispute any of the police facts used to support the charge of drink-driving.
But as a practising member of the Exclusive Brethren Kennard would have problems if the court asked him to enter any good behaviour bonds.
Mr Ireland tendered a reference explaining that Brethren strive to be law abiding citizens subject to laws of the land and of government.
But based on their beliefs, Brethren could not enter into any associations, bonds, links or memberships other than with
persons with whom they take holy communion.
Any court order would mean they would be excluded from taking holy communion or partaking in activities of the fellowship.
Magistrate Thomas Hodgson was prepared to treat Kennard as a first offender noting his successful Traffic Offenders Program report, age and prior good character finding the offence proved but dismissing the information.
Mr Hodgson warned Kennard he would only get the benefits of first offender provisions once.