A BATHURST magistrate has expressed concern about young, inexperienced drink drivers on our roads, saying it was alarming how many offenders were P-plate drivers.
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Thirteen drink-driving matters came before Magistrate Cate Follent in a single day at Bathurst Local Court last week, including three high-range charges, eight mid-range and two special range category offences.
Four of the cases were finalised, including two involving P-plate offenders.
Ms Follent told the court that "anyone who drink-drives is a risk to the community", a sentiment echoed by police.
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Western Region traffic tactician Inspector Ben Macfarlane said his officers would continue to target those breaking the law to bring them before the court.
"If you drive away from a pub or a bottle shop, don't be surprised when you get pulled over," he said.
"Chances are you're going to get caught."
One of those to face court last week was Kane Beltran, 18, of Cullenbenbong Road, Ganbenang.
He was stopped by police on August 18, recording a reading of 0.081. He had a passenger in the car and told police he'd had five beers between 6pm and 10pm.
In sentencing him, Ms Follent told Beltran that being a P-plater and having a passenger in the car had aggravated the offence.
If you drive away from a pub or a bottle shop, don't be surprised when you get pulled over.
- Western Region traffic tactician Inspector Ben Macfarlane
"You're a very inexperienced driver and you chose to get in the vehicle," she said. "How can I be satisfied you won't act this way in the future?"
Ms Follent told Beltran the offence carried a maximum nine-month jail term, which indicates "how serious an offence it is".
"You're very young and your gender is over-represented in road fatalities."
Another P-plater - Ben Gregory Dickenson, 19, of Boundary Road, Robin Hill - was also before the court last week for mid-range PCA.
The court heard Dickenson, a former school captain now studying at Charles Sturt University, recorded a reading of 0.140 when stopped by police in the McDonald's car park.
When questioned, he said he'd had a number of drinks at CSU's Rafters Bar. Police noted his speech was slurred.
Again Ms Follent said it was "most concerning" he was a P-plater caught drink-driving.
"You were only issued your licence in February, you're a very inexperienced driver."
While she accepted Dickenson's genuine remorse and good prospects for rehabilitation, Ms Follent said it "wasn't just about your interests" but "discouraging others in the community from breaking the law".
Another young driver, 23-year-old Mitchell Oxley of Stewart Street, Bathurst was also convicted last week for high range PCA. He recorded a reading of 0.170.
You're very young and your gender is over-represented in road fatalities.
- Magistrate Cate Follent
Oxley, a CSU student, came to the attention of police after driving his car on the wrong side of Piper Street. He had four passengers in the car.
Oxley, who has an unrestricted licence, told police he'd "had a few beers". When speaking to him, police noticed his speech was slurred.
In sentencing the drivers, Ms Follent stressed the need for deterrence, saying she "stands between offenders and the wider community".
Beltran was convicted, fined $500 and disqualified from driving for three months, with a 12-month Interlock order.
Dickenson was convicted, fined $650 and disqualified from driving for three months, and placed on a 12-month Interlock order.
Oxley was convicted, fined $500 and disqualified from driving for six months, and placed on a two-year Interlock order.
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