A man will reappear in court today after allegedly drink-driving and speeding with an unrestrained child in the vehicle in the state’s south.
About 1.15am on Sunday (12 April 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol were patrolling the Broulee area, when they detected a Toyota Camry sedan, without its lights on, travelling up to 193km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on George Bass Drive.
Officers stopped the vehicle on North Head Drive, near Moruya Bridge, to speak with the driver, a 34-year-old man. As they spoke with the man, officers located a seven-year-old girl sitting in the rear of the vehicle, unrestrained.
The driver underwent a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result.
He was arrested and taken to Moruya Police Station, where he allegedly returned a breath analysis result of 0.137.
The Batehaven man was charged with drive with mid-range PCA, exceed speed over 45kph, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive in dark no lights, drive with passenger under 16 years not restrained, and resist officer in execution of duty.
He was refused bail and appeared at Wollongong Local Court on Sunday 12 April 2020, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court today (Tuesday 14 April 2020).
A child-at-risk notification has been made.
Operation Tortoise, the state-wide road safety operation, concluded yesterday as double demerit points ran from 12.01am on Thursday (9 April 2020) and until 11.59pm yesterday (Monday 13 April 2020).
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said, despite double demerit points concluding, officers will still be out and about enforcing the road rules.
“We make no apologies for taking the appropriate actions against those selfish enough to get behind the wheel while under the influence and jeopardising the safety of the community,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“To put a child in harm’s way is particularly appalling. There are no excuses for this behaviour.
“While Operation Tortoise has now concluded, road users should take note – if you are breaking the law and breaching public health orders, you will be in the sight of our officers and will have to deal with the consequences.”
