"IT WAS stupid".
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That is how Rhys James Wilesmith, 23, felt after being caught drink driving in Leeton last year.
Wilesmith appeared in Leeton Local Court on February 18 for sentencing after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving on October 26 in 2019.
He was stopped by police on Grevillia Road for a roadside breath test, which returned a reading of 0.091.
He told officers he had been at a local hotel where he drank eight mid-strength beers and three rum and cokes.
He was arrested and taken to the Leeton police station where the positive breath analysis was formally recorded.
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Police also conducted a search of Wilesmith's wallet and found two small, resealable bags containing .072 grams of methamphetamine and, as a result, was charged with possessing a prohibited drug.
His solicitor Mark Del Gigangte told the court he has spoken with his client about the dangers of both drink driving and the use of drugs.
Wilesmith had his licence suspended and has since completed the traffic offenders program. Magistrate Joy Boulos said Wilesmith had indeed made "a stupid decision".
"You deliberately got behind the wheel with that level of intoxication," she said.
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"Drinking and going out with your mates is one thing, but you leave your keys at home.
"I certainly hope you have learned from this."
Wilesmith was ordered to pay a $200 fine for possessing a prohibited drug, as well as a further $850 fine for mid-range drink driving.
His licence was suspended for four months, backdated to the time of the offence. He will also be required to have an interlock device fitted to his vehicle for 12-months.
