The man pleaded guilty to the offence in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard police intercepted the man on Olympic Parade about 3.50pm on June 9 this year.

After conducting a preliminary breath test, police took the man to the police station for a further breath test, which recorded his blood alcohol concentration at 0.124.

His licence was immediately suspended and his vehicle impounded.

The man told police he’d had six to eight beers the night before, finishing his drinking about 10pm, then had another beer about 3pm that day.

Defence lawyer Robert Morgan said it was his client’s first time in court on driving or criminal charges, he had not driven since, and he had already paid more than $1000 to get his vehicle back.

The court heard the man had begun seeing a counsellor with the intention of stopping his drinking and had started taking naltrexone, a medication used to treat alcohol dependence.

The suspension of his licence had also had an impact on his family, his job and volunteer activities.

Magistrate Dr Michael King cancelled the man’s licence and disqualified him from driving for the minimum 12-month term.

He must also pay $300 to the court fund, which goes to charity.

The man must remain on good behaviour for 12 months and continue to see his counsellor.

“Drink-driving is a serious matter because it puts people at risk on the road,” Dr King said.

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