Drink-driver spared ban

A 24-year-old man was today fined $1,500 after he admitted driving a cycle while impaired.

Richard Spencer admitted one charge of impaired driving on April 21 in Paget.

He denied a charge of refusing to give a sample of breath and no evidence was offered for it.

The court heard at 3:40 that morning, police officers were travelling west along South Road in Paget behind the defendant.

The court heard officers noticed Spencer was unsteady on his vehicle and was swerving from left to right.

Officers stopped Spencer and noticed he smelled of alcohol.

Asked if he had been drinking, the defendant told the officers no.

Addressing the court, Spencer said: ‘I’m deeply sorry for making a stupid mistake.

“I always take a taxi home on Saturday evenings and I made a mistake.”

Spencer also said his job “revolves” around going to visit clients and said he needed his transportation.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo gave him a $1,500 fine and said: “Use better discretion next time because you will be disqualified next time.”

Spencer originally pleaded not guilty to impaired driving and guilty to refusing a breathalyser but changed his pleas after Mr Tokunbo pointed out the penalty was harsher for refusing a breathalyser.