ALBURY man Anthony Rogers Vine avoided jail yesterday for his fourth drink-driving offence, despite the fact that a magistrate had warned him he was facing a stint behind bars.
Vine appeared in Albury Local Court for sentencing on disqualified driving and middle-range drink-driving matters after preparation of a pre-sentence report.
His solicitor, Mark Cronin, described Vine, 35, of Pemberton Street, as “a man who has come to the crossroads”.
Magistrate Tony Murray said: “You should address me on the basis he is looking at a jail term. He has a disgraceful record”.
“He must be a very slow learner.”
Mr Murray said Vine had received 50 hours community service for his third drink-driving offence in July last year.
He was doing the drink-driving intervention program when he committed his latest offence in November.
Mr Murray deferred sentencing for a couple of hours to consider an appropriate penalty.
But he eventually imposed eight-month suspended sentences on both charges and a three-year driving ban which extends Vine’s disqualification until December, 2016.
Police were patrolling Poole Street about 2.30pm on November 10 and stopped Vine for a random breath test.
It was positive and a later breath analysis gave a reading of 0.135.