"He continues to drink and drive. If he doesn't go to jail he is a real risk to the community."
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This is how magistrate Joy Boulos described Hanwood's Satnam Sigh, 60, brought before Griffith Local Court for refusing to take a breath test.
Ready for sentencing on September 25, Magistrate Boulos ordered a redo of Singh's suitability for community service, otherwise she would sent him straight to jail, especially considering his previous drink-driving convictions.
"His driving was erratic, speeding, almost having a head on collision, unsteady on his feet, so many times... and now he refuses to do a breath test."
Around 12.20pm on April 13, two witnesses saw Singh driving all over the road, veering off to the wrong side, narrowly avoiding a collision with a road train and a car.
They saw him speed up fast and then dramatically reduce speed. Fearing for his safety and others on the road, the witnesses had to drive beside him to guide him off to the side.
When police arrived, he smelled strongly of alcohol, could not stand, and was incoherent. He refused a breath test three times.
Taken back to the station for a breath analysis and interpreter, Singh yelled and swore at everyone, refusing to properly comply with the breath analysis.
Looking at his sentencing assessment report, Magistrate Boulos "wondered why" he refused a breath test, saying "imagine what his reading would have been."
"Yet he says 'I can't do community service I'm too precious'... Hanwood is not that far, he can get on a bike."
His representative on the day Piers Blomfield outlined Singh's numerous health issues and medication including those for heart disease, as well as his 60 years of age.
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Yet she remained firm saying "he could get a taxi" and "60 isn't that old".
"I'm afraid if I let him out he'll do it again."
Reappearing in court on Wednesday with an updated report detailing his suitability for community service, Singh was convicted and given an 18 month community corrections order with 200 hours community service.
He was also disqualified for 12 months with a 48 month interlock period.
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