Warilla Man Released on Bail Hours After Being Jailed for Drunk Driving Crash
A 39-year-old Warilla man has walked free from custody just hours after being sentenced to eight months in jail for a serious drunk driving incident that saw his car flip over in a residential street.
Ashley Lawrence Hughes appeared in Wollongong Local Court on February 3, where he was convicted of high-range drink-driving and driving with an expired licence. The court heard Hughes recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.275 - more than five times the legal limit of 0.050.
The Night of the Crash
Police were called to Lindwall Street in Warilla just before 11pm on September 23 following reports of a crash. Upon arrival, officers discovered a white Toyota Camry lying on its roof in the middle of the road, with Hughes being pulled from the front window of the vehicle.
A nearby blue Holden Commodore had been pushed in front of a neighbouring property due to the impact of the collision. After being cleared by paramedics, Hughes was breath-tested by police and returned a positive reading for alcohol.
While in police custody at Lake Illawarra Police Station, Hughes admitted to consuming six Victoria Bitter beers and one scotch and coke at a bowling club throughout the evening. Officers also confirmed he did not hold a current driver's licence at the time of the incident.
Bail Application Success
Despite being sentenced to eight months imprisonment, Hughes was granted bail pending an appeal against the severity of his sentence. His defence lawyer, Ms Agius, argued that a community-based sentence would be more appropriate, noting Hughes had not offended in ten years prior to this incident.
The defence submitted that Hughes, a full-time labourer, was motivated to undertake rehabilitation for alcohol issues, which they argued could be better addressed in the community setting.
The prosecution opposed Hughes' release, contending that he had put the community in "a high amount of danger" through his actions.
Magistrate's Decision and Conditions
Magistrate Michael Love ultimately granted Hughes bail but imposed strict conditions, including daily reporting to police and a complete no-alcohol order.
"I must confess that judicial minds may differ. It's not clear to me what will occur in the District Court and the time-frame is a month," Magistrate Love stated during the hearing.
The magistrate directly addressed Hughes, saying "Mr Hughes, I hope you understand the seriousness of this matter and the importance of you adhering to your bail conditions. You're facing a jail term."
Hughes is scheduled to return to Wollongong District Court next month for his appeal hearing. The case highlights ongoing debates about sentencing for serious traffic offences and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation in the justice system.
