A TAXI driver who almost collided with a police car while under the influence of alcohol has been convicted at Armidale Local Court.
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Graham Marchant, 46, pleaded guilty to mid-range drink-driving on Monday after he blew 0.138 in his own vehicle.
Magistrate Michael Holmes said Marchant had a very poor record.
“I don’t know what they do for taxi driver checks these days but he doesn’t have a flash criminal record either does he?”
Marchant was pulled over on October 20 after he almost collided with police on the roundabout at Barney and Canambe Streets.
The accused told police, “I had a few drinks a few hours ago”.
I don’t know what they do for taxi driver checks these days but he doesn’t have a flash criminal record either does he?
- Magistrate Michael Holmes.
Taken to Armidale Police Station, Marchant admitted to drinking three middies of VB and four cans of VB in a five hour period.
The court heard he was charged with a high range drink-driving offence 17 years ago, and when defence solicitor Thomas Payne asked the court for a bond with no recorded criminal conviction, Magistrate Michael Holmes said there was no chance.
“I’m going to impose a conviction, I’ve got no choice,” Mr Holmes said.
“With respect to you as a lawyer you should make submissions that are practical.
“For a man with this record… the court would not even consider it, I can’t even see any merit in that submission when you look at the facts and his record.”
Marchant was convicted and fined $1400 and disqualified from driving for six months, backdated to October 20. He was placed on a good behaviour bond for 12 months.