A Western Australian man who sideswiped a truck while driving under the influence faces economic ruin, the Launceston Magistrates Court heard yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Zachary Luke Van Dyk, 27, veered into the wrong lane near Hadspen and collided with the truck on January 21, 2020.
When police breath tested him he recorded a reading of 0.177 and was issued with an excessive drink driver notice.
IN OTHER NEWS:
He caused $20,000 damage to the truck and damaged a Ford Ranger belonging to his employer.
Van Dyk pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
Defence counsel Katarina Gauden said Van Dyke would lose his job as a concreter if disqualified and would be forced to head back to WA where he did not have a job.
Ms Gauden's submission for special circumstances were rejected by Magistrate Sharon Cure.
Ms Cure said Van Dyke was ineligible for a restricted licence because of the "very high" reading.
"He faces ruin financially unless he can find someone to drive him around,"she said.
"But I can't see any special circumstances."
She fined him $840 and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.
Sign Up to one of many newsletters.
Nick Clark
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
