A Crace man caught drink-driving three times in just more than four hours cannot remember committing the offences, a court has heard.
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Allyn John Blydenstein, 30, pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday to charges of drink-driving and driving while suspended.
Magistrate Beth Campbell fined Blydenstein $1800, disqualified him from driving for three-and-a-half-years, and ordered he perform 240 hours community service.
Court documents said Blydenstein was arrested behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza in the Magistrates Court car park in Civic about 6.30am on March 29.
Police reported he was heavily intoxicated, struggling to remain steady on his feet, had bloodshot eyes, and smelt of alcohol.
He blew 0.186 when tested soon after.
He was charged with drink-driving and given an immediate licence suspension.
Blydenstein told police he would catch a taxi home, but was arrested again about 7am on Barry Drive.
He returned a reading of 0.197 when tested about 7.45am and was arrested for drink-driving and driving while suspended.
Blydenstein was bailed from the ACT Watch House only to be arrested again about 10.43am on Rimmer Street in Acton.
Court documents said he told officers he had been trying to park his car at the time.
A test revealed an alcohol reading of 0.15.
But Blydenstein claims he cannot remember the offences.
Defence lawyer David Butler told the court on Monday his client could recall leaving Mooseheads about 5.30am. But his next memory was of being booked for his third offence at Civic Police Station.
Mr Butler said Blydenstein had sought solace in binge drinking after receiving bad news about his family.
In sentencing, Magistrate Campbell accepted the crimes had arisen out of one course of offending conduct.
“This is one ghastly mistake over one night,” Ms Campbell said. “It’s different to a man who does it every two months.”
But the magistrate said personal heartache could not be used as an excuse to break the law.
“You can’t allow your own personal sadness … to affect other people in the community.”
Ms Campbell said she did not expect to see Blydenstein back before the courts again.