A SUSPENDED learner driver who crashed his car after drinking Vodka Cruisers has been told to grow up.
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Jake Lynch, 19, now of Tivoli Place, Doonside, appeared before magistrate Peter Feather in Bathurst Local Court charged with being a learner P1 not wearing a seatbelt properly, driving a motor vehicle while suspended and driving with a middle range PCA.
His solicitor, Emma Mason, tendered references to the court and told the court how her client was injured in the incident, which occurred after he swerved to avoid a kangaroo.
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However, Mr Feather noted he was a learner driver and, as such, has a legal blood alcohol limit of zero, saying had Lynch not been affected by alcohol, he might have avoided flipping the car.
Mr Feather also noted Lynch was suspended.
"He shouldn't have been driving," he said.
Ms Mason said her client was a young man with complex issues and background.
She said he had a strong need for a licence and had suffered extra-curial punishment in injuries he suffered from the crash and the fact his car, which was written off, was not covered by insurance.
She said he had made significant changes in his life as a result of what had happened.
Police facts tendered to the court told how Lynch was driving his car with two passengers at Newbridge in the early hours of May 4, 2020 when he swerved to miss a kangaroo and lost control of the vehicle, which flipped on its roof.
Lynch, who was not wearing a seatbelt, went through the driver's door window.
In sentencing, Mr Feather told Lynch he needed to grow up or he wouldn't see his 21st, adding he would "either be in custody or be dead".
Lynch was convicted and fined $400 for the seatbelt offence, and fined $750 and disqualified from driving for five months for driving while suspended.
For mid-range PCA, he was placed on a 12-month Community Corrections Order, disqualified from driving for five months and placed on a mandatory interlock order for 12 months.