Peter Sleeth, 44, pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Monday to one drink driving charge.

He was pulled over on Playne Street in Heathcote at 3.30pm on January 1 after attempting to drive home from the Union Hotel.

After exceeding the blood-alcohol limit, Sleeth was taken back to the Heathcote police station to be tested again.

He blew a reading of 0.292 – almost six times the limit.

Sleeth admitting to drinking beer at the Union Hotel between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

He told the court he had a “big night” the night before.

“I had no food, that didn’t help,” Sleeth said.

It was his first drink driving offence, but given the high reading, his licence was cancelled for the mandatory 24 months.

Sleeth also faced a fine of up to $800, but told the court he had no means of paying it.

Magistrate Sarah Leighfield agreed to convert the fine into community work.

“Community work might be more appropriate given the circumstances,” she said.

“It’s very important you do not drive again until your licence is back in your hands.”

Sleeth was convicted and placed on a six-month community corrections order, with the only condition being he must complete 30 hours of unpaid community work.