Darren Matthew Cafe, 43, convicted in Bathurst Local Court after drink-driving

Darren Matthew Cafe, 43, of Coolabah Close, Kelso, was sentenced in Bathurst Local Court on March 1 after he entered a plea of guilty to mid-range drink-driving.

According to police documents before the court, police were conducting random testing of drivers in Eglinton at about 4.30pm on December 26 last year when Cafe was pulled over in a white Ford Ranger.

Once Cafe was stopped on Lew Avenue, police said he told them that he'd had about four beers and so "might be over".

Cafe was given a roadside breath test and, after he produced a positive reading, was arrested and taken to Bathurst Police Station.

While in police custody, Cafe gave a second positive reading for alcohol of 0.132.

During sentencing, Cafe's solicitor, Mr McKay, told the court his client - a father of three - had a number of beers before he went to help a family member.

"He went to assist and drove 200 metres," Mr McKay said.

"He understands the seriousness of the matter and is extremely remorseful."

Following Mr McKay's submission, Magistrate Elizabeth Ellis said she "struggled to understand why someone who has so much responsibility took the risk".

"You're letting your side down," Magistrate Ellis said, adding that emergencies are going to happen with family members.

"Your family is going to pay the price for your actions," she said. "They deserve better and you can do better."

Cafe was fined $800 and disqualified from driving for three months.

Once his suspension period is complete, Cafe must have an alcohol interlock device installed in his vehicle for 12 months.

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