A MOUNT Gambier man who drove to get cigarettes whilst drunk and contrary to a disqualification order has been jailed for two months.
Daniel Leigh Richardson appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to be sentenced for a number of traffic offences.
The prosecution said police patrols were driving in the city on December 16 when they noticed a van trailing them on Commerce Place.
Police turned onto Commercial Street West and pulled over to the side of the road to allow the van to pass.
After the van passed, the officer activated their lights and attempted to stop the vehicle.
The van then turned onto Penola Road before pulling into a bottle shop.
Police spoke to Richardson – the driver of the vehicle – who could not produce his licence.
Officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from the defendant.
Richardson attempted to push past police and run from the scene, but fell after 15 metres due to his intoxication.
Police arrested the defendant and transported him to the Mount Gambier Police station.
He was breath tested and produced a blood alcohol reading of .219.
Checks also revealed he was driving disqualified at the time of the offending.
The defendant’s lawyer said his client had an alcohol addiction and had “totally relapsed” on the day in question.
“He is a self-confessed alcoholic,” the defendant’s lawyer said.
“As soon as he drinks, he drinks until he can drink no more.”
The court heard, Richardson was driving to get some cigarettes at the time of the offending.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson said the defendant had previously been given clear warnings not to drive.
“I warned you not to drive and you knew if you did it would be inevitable that you would receive a term of imprisonment,” Magistrate Anderson said.
Richardson was sentenced to two months and 12 days imprisonment, however the 12 days were deducted from the sentence to give credit for time spent on home detention bail.
Magistrate Anderson said there was no good reason to suspend the sentence.
The defendant was also disqualified from driving for three years upon his release.
He was also ordered to pay $495 impounding fees.
