AN EAGLEHAWK man drank almost a full bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey before getting behind the wheel, a court has heard.
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The 36-year-old man appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court this week where he pleaded guilty to charges of drink-driving and contravening a family violence intervention order.
The court heard on May 8 this year, police went to Eaglehawk to perform a welfare check on the 36-year-old.
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When officers arrived at Whipstick Road, they saw the man driving a Ford hatchback. He was intercepted and his identity was confirmed.
The man underwent a series of breath tests, which showed a blood alcohol reading of 0.143.
The court heard he was cooperative with police, telling officers he drank nearly a full 700ml bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey before driving.
The man's vehicle was impounded and his driver's licence was immediately suspended.
The court heard on the afternoon of June 5, the man and his former partner were texting each other about care arrangements for their son.
There was an interim family violence intervention order in place where the man could not commit family violence against the woman.
During the texts, the man became aggressive and called the woman a "piece of sh**" and a "dumb mole". He also criticised her ability to care for their son.
The woman contacted police and the officers went to the man's house. The court heard he made full admissions and showed no remorse for his actions.
Defence lawyer Luke Docherty told the court the man had separated from his partner earlier this year and he had been unable to see his young son.
Mr Docherty said the drink-driving offence came out of stress relating to the separation and isolation.
The defence lawyer said the 36-year-old had started a men's behavioural change program and was receiving counselling for his issues with alcohol abuse.
Magistrate Russell Kelly said he accepted the circumstances of the offending and the steps the man had taken towards changing his behaviour.
Mr Kelly said he would sentence the man to a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction. The 36-year-old's licence was also cancelled and he was disqualified from driving for 14 months.
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