Disqualified Coffs Harbour Learner Driver Caught Speeding and Blows 0.144

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A learner driver, previously disqualified until 2034, has been charged after he was caught drink-driving and speeding near Coffs Harbour last night.

About 6pm on Monday night, officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol stopped a white Holden Viva with red P-plates on the Pacific Highway at Sapphire Beach, after it was detected speeding at an alleged 114km/h.

As officers approached the car, the driver and passenger allegedly swapped seats.

Investigations revealed that the driver, a 23 year old Coffs Harbour man, was the holder of a learners drivers licence that was allegedly disqualified until 2034 and was required to have an interlock device fitted at the end of his disqualification period.

He was subjected to a breath test and returned a positive reading.

The driver was arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station where he was subjected to a breath analysis and supplied an alleged reading of 0.144.

He was charged with mid-range drink-driving (2nd offence), drive whilst disqualified, exceed speed by more than 20km/h, and not comply with interlock device.

He was refused bail and appeared at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday morning where he was again refused bail and is due to appear at the same court on Tuesday 18 July 2017.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith of the state's Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said that a lack of personal responsibility continues to be an issue for road users.

"People who drink or take drugs and drive, speed, not wear a seat belt or helmet, drive fatigued, or distracted by a mobile phone, are putting themselves, their passengers and other road users at great risk.

"Almost 200 lives have already been lost this year on NSW roads. In many cases it is reckless and dangerous drivers that are adding to the toll.

“It is pure luck that some drivers, their friends and families, get to go home, instead of being involved in a serious injury, or even a fatal crash," Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

4 July 2017




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