BASS Labor MHR Jodie Campbell's former partner said he got behind the wheel at nearly three times the legal blood alcohol limit because of a "media frenzy" over allegations he assaulted the federal politician last year.
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Roland Kurt Small, 36, of Deviot, pleaded guilty to the resulting drink-driving charge in the Launceston Magistrates Court yesterday.
His lawyer, Bill Griffiths, told Magistrate Robert Pearce the offence occurred "a few days" after Small was charged with assaulting Ms Campbell at her Mowbray home on August 24.
That complaint has since been dismissed, however, Small was caught drink- driving on September 29, the same day he reappeared in court on the assault charge.
Police prosecutor Catherine White said he was intercepted on Invermay Road about 11.30pm, after officers observed his white utility repeatedly veering over the centre road markings.
The police activated their emergency lights and pulled Small over to undergo a breathalyser test.
He returned a reading of 0.144 and, under caution, refused to answer any questions.
But Mr Griffiths said it was harassment by both the "electronic and print media" that prompted his client to drive that night.
He said the "considerable attention" prompted by the "sensational nature" of an alleged assault on a federal member of Parliament had "disturbed" and "terrified" Small, whom he described as a very private person.
Mr Griffiths said a "media representative" had aggressively followed him in a vehicle when he left court that morning, and the coverage of his case on television that night had "further disturbed him".
"He felt insecure and vulnerable," Mr Griffiths said.
Small resolved to go to his uncle's house, he said, "and foolishly made the decision to drive that short distance..."
He said Small, who has since been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder preventing him from working or studying until at least October, "apologised profusely" to the court.
He said Small was still experiencing medical issues after being charged with assault and incarcerated "by police".
But Mr Pearce told Small that while he accepted his plea of guilty and the fact it was his first offence in 18 years of driving, it was a "high" reading.
He disqualified Small from driving for the next nine months and ordered he pay a $700 fined within 28 days.
