Driver Disqualified until 2034, Caught Drink Driving, Sent to Jail

A learner driver, previously disqualified until 2034, will be sent to prison.

Dylan Lindsay Maude, 22, has been sentenced to prison until January 2018 after he was caught drink-driving and speeding near Coffs Harbour earlier in the month.

Officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol stopped the 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.

Maude returned a positive reading of 0.144, and was charged with mid-range drink-driving (2^nd offence), drive whilst disqualified, leaner exceed speed by more than 10km/h, and not comply with interlock device.

He was refused bail after the offence, before appearing on Tuesday before Magistrate Walker in Coffs Harbour.

Maude pleaded guilty to all charges, he was fined $600 and sentenced to 6 months in prison.

He will be released on 2 January 2018.

At the time of the incident, 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.

“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.