Pulled over after failing to dim his headlights, man recorded 0.230

Clayton Robert Eric Hawkey, 25, of Crescent Orchard Road, Locksley, was convicted in Bathurst Local Court.

Police facts tendered to the court told how Hawkey was pulled over by police between 11.10pm and 11.15pm on February 23 at O'Connell and recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.230.

The court heard how police were travelling east on O'Connell Road, O'Connell when a vehicle came towards them with all headlights on, high beam and spotlights included.

Police did a U-turn and activated all warning lights and, a short time later, the vehicle was pulled over and police approached Hawkey, who was the driver.

Hawkey stepped from his vehicle and was given a roadside breath test, which was positive.

He was arrested and taken to Bathurst Police Station to undergo a breath analysis, which recorded 0.230.

In a letter written to the court, Hawkey said he realised the seriousness of the danger he put himself and others in on the day and was extremely embarrassed and remorseful about his behaviour.

He said he was glad he was before the court on a charge against himself and not harm caused to an innocent person as a result of his decision to drive.

He said he had been struggling for some time, but the charges against him, his loss of licence and the knowledge his actions could have taken someone's life were a wake-up call that he was taking seriously.

He said he was using a negative experience and turning it into a positive to turn his life around.

Other referees spoke of Hawkey's work ethic and described him as a decent and hard-working man.

Hawkey was convicted and placed on an 18-month Community Correction Order.

He was fined $1100, disqualified from driving for six months and placed on a 24-month interlock order.