Cameron Bruce Coote, 36, of Munro Street, Windradyne, appeared recently before Magistrate Cate Follent in the Bathurst Local Court to answer a charge of mid-range PCA.

His was one of 13 PCA matters before the court that day.

The court heard Coote was stopped for a random breath test in Wascoe Street, Glenbrook and the roadside breath test proved positive.

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He was arrested and taken to an approved breath testing site on the Great Western Highway where he recorded a reading of 0.096.

Coote admitted to police he had consumed 10 glasses of wine at a friend's home in Emu Plains between 10pm and 11.15pm, and police formed the opinion he was slightly affected by alcohol.

Coote's solicitor said her client left the property to de-escalate a situation and drove because he feared if he left his car at the residence it would be damaged.

She said he had moved to Bathurst three months ago for work and driving was essential to his employment.

A reference tendered to the court from his employer spoke of Coote's need for a licence and a belief that circumstantial pressures on him led to him drink-driving.

The referee said his behaviour was out of character.

In sentencing Coote, Ms Follent said the maximum penalty for the offence was nine months in jail, illustrating the seriousness of the offence.

Ms Follent said she'd read the facts sheet and noted the accused was pulled over by police because of a RBT and not because he'd come to their attention for poor driving.

She said the fact he had consumed his last drink just 30 minutes before driving was concerning, describing his conduct as "cavalier".

Noting Coote's prospects for rehabilitation were good, Ms Follent said sentencing was not only about his interests being taken into account.

"I need to stand between you and the community," she said.