A Coolah man who attempted to hot-wire his vehicle to keep driving, after concerned people took his keys, was sentenced in Mudgee Local Court on Wednesday for driving under the influence of alcohol.
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Dayne Garry Martin of Warrumbungles Way, Coolah, was disqualified for six months followed by a two-year interlock period, and placed on a 12-month Community Correction Order with a condition that he abstain from alcohol.
On the afternoon of Monday, October 21, 2019, Martin was asked to leave a Coolah pub after an altercation with other patrons, having consumed about 12 drinks. During the next 30 minutes - and after his attempt to buy a carton of beer was refused - he went into a number of local stores, was seen stumbling, and argued with people who were telling him not to drive.
However, the 43-year-old got into his vehicle and travelled along the incorrect side of the road, mounted the median strip, then drove off erratically. When he stopped in front of a house in Binnia Street, concerned family members took away his keys.
Martin spent the next hour attempting to hot-wire the vehicle, during which time the police were called. One of their concerns, noted in the facts submitted for sentence, was that school was finishing around that time of the afternoon.
"The facts disclose very dangerous behaviour on his part," Magistrate David Day commented.
And added, "mercifully, he was unable to start his car" and "the community along Warrumbungles Way was spared him potentially killing someone as he made his way home".
Once he'd handed down his sentence, Magistrate Day concluded "the community of Coolah, knowing this result, will be more comfortable - because you can't hot-wire an interlock device".
