TRUCK driver Rodney James Dykes will be unemployed for 12 months after he stayed too long enjoying the hospitality at the Oaklands Hotel.
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Dykes works for an Oaklands trucking firm delivering fuel to farms over a wide area and travels more than 1000 kilometres weekly.
But he has been without his licence since April 30.
It was suspended by police after his arrest for drink-driving.
Solicitor Jason Hanke said in Corowa Local Court yesterday that Dykes would lose his job without a licence and a letter from his employer was tendered to magistrate Tony Murray.
Dykes, 40, of Weston Close, Yarrawonga, pleaded guilty to high-range drink-driving, the court hearing he had a previous drink-driving matter a little more than five years ago.
Police were patrolling near Mulwala about 9.15pm on April 30 when they stopped Dykes for a random breath test.
Officers were unable to detect the smell of alcohol due to a strong odour of diesel fuel.
Dykes said he had recently drank a full strength beer and police waited the required 15 minutes before checking him.
He gave a positive reading and was arrested.
A later breath analysis provided a reading of 0.153.
Dykes told police he had his first drink at 6.15pm and his last about 9pm.
“He thought he was legally okay to drive, he was on his way home,” Mr Hanke said.
Mr Murray said it was fortunate Dykes was just outside the five-year period otherwise the penalties would have increased.
“The reading is just into the high range,” Mr Murray said.
“It is sad to see you come back before the court.”
Dykes was convicted and put on a 12-month bond and must complete a drink-driver education course.
His licence was disqualified for 12 months and he was fined $450.
Mr Murray said normally the fine would have been either $1400 or $1500.
But he took into consideration Dykes would be without a job and in financial difficulty.