Respected Goulburn business owner in court for drink driving

Anthony Stuart Neate, 45, of Goulburn returned a reading of 0.096 when pulled over by police on Auburn Street in Goulburn on Christmas Eve last year.

Neate was arrested after returning a positive result at a roadside random breath testing station about 3.15pm.

He was taken to Goulburn Police Station for a second reading and his licence was suspended.

Neate pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving when he appeared in Goulburn Local Court on February 12.

Neate looked remorseful as his solicitor said the incident was very embarrassing, particularly as he'd been driving a business vehicle at the time.

Neate is a respected business owner who gives time to local sporting groups, according to his solicitor.

He owns Bryants Pies and over the years has been involved with the Goulburn Basketball Association and cycle club.

The solicitor said her client had been working since 1am and consumed three or four full-strength beers on an empty stomach.

Magistrate Geraldine Beattie fined him $1350 and disqualified him from driving for three months. Neate will need to apply for an interlock licence for 12 months when he gets his licence back.

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