A motorist's blood alcohol level was found to be four and a half times the legal limit after he drove and crashed into a sign and vehicles, causing significant damage.
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Myo Lwin was driving his Toyoa Hilux on Holdsworth Road in North Bendigo on June 20 this year when he mounted the kerb and began driving on the nature strip.
Lwin ran over a sign and hit a legally parked car, causing significant damage to both vehicles.
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The force also pushed the parked vehicle into another on the street.
Police attended and conducted breath tests, which put Lwin's blood alcohol concentration at 0.224.
He told police he had consumed a litre of wine.
"When I get drunk, I feel like driving," Lwin said.
He was served with a notice of immediate licence suspension.
Lwin pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to drink-driving and careless driving.
Duty lawyer Madeleine Mein said Lwin took full responsibility for what had occurred.
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Before the crash, Ms Mein said, Lwin had been drinking with friends.
"He instructs he hasn't had a drink of alcohol since this accident, it gave him a real fright," she said.
Ms Mein said Lwin had been reliant on his wife to drive him to work since the incident, as well as provide transport for their three children.
"His whole family felt the effect of his actions in that way," she said.
She said Lwin held a casual job and earned about $700 a week.
The court heard Lwin had no prior history and had made an early guilty plea.
Magistrate Alan Spillane told Lwin he was lucky no one was seriously injured or killed as a result of his actions.
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"This is really appalling behaviour on your part," Mr Spillane said.
"Someone with a blood alcohol reading of such magnitude poses a real risk to other motorists and pedestrians."
Mr Spillane said the damage caused was "quite spectacular".
But he said he took into account the fact that Lwin had already suffered some punishment by way of the inconvenience he had caused his family.
Mr Spillane noted Lwin had also cooperated with police.
Lwin was convicted and fined $750.
He was also banned from driving for 26 months, dated from the day of the offending.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
