David John Tildsley, of Waugan Road Eugowra was also sentenced to a section 10 bond for 12 months on an additional charge of drive with mid-range Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA).

Tildsley’s legal representative, Dennis McGroder told the court that his client comes from a well-respected farming family and he needs his licence to drive around the farm.

“They work seven days a week to run the farm and his licence is essential to him,” Mr McGroder said.

“His licence expired and he simply didn’t renew it … he can’t give any explanation for it.”

In handing down his sentence, Local Court Magistrate Robert Rabbidge said he’s clearly a very hardworking man.

“But you’ve got a duty, not only for your family but for the community,” Mr Rabbidge said.

“You’ve done lots of good work in the past and your need for a licence is clear and obvious.”

According to police facts, at about 7.15pm on Sunday, February 2, police saw a silver Holden Commodore do a U-turn across The Escort Way at Eugowra, directly out the front of the Central Hotel before travelling in a westerly direction along the Forbes Road.

Police followed the vehicle a short distance before warning lights were activated and the vehicle was stopped.

When the accused was asked for his licence, he took it out and stated, “It’s expired”. 

When police looked at the red P2 licence the expiry date was December 12, 2006.

The accused was subjected to a roadside breath test which produced a positive result. 

He was then taken to Canowindra Police Station for a breath analysis which returned a reading of 0.081.

Tildsley admitted to drinking one beer at home before driving into Eugowra where he had five beers at a licenced premises between 6.15pm and 7pm.