Police minister’s driver charged with drink-driving offence

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley’s driver has been arrested and will face court after allegedly driving dangerously while under the influence of alcohol.

The 55-year-old man was spotted by police in Bemboka, west of Bega, about 3pm on Tuesday after reports of a Toyota Prado moving erratically.

The driver was roadside breath-tested and arrested when the test allegedly returned a positive result. He was later taken to Bega police station – which the minister was slated to officially open on Wednesday – where he returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.183.

Catley was not in the car at the time of the driver’s arrest. The man was charged with high-range drink-driving, and had his licence suspended. He will face Bega Local Court on December 24.

Catley celebrated the new $23 million Bega police station with NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon on Wednesday, telling the media she was concerned by the circumstances of the incident.

“It is illegal to drink and drive in this state, and no one is above the law. This matter is now before the court, and I will not be making further comment,” she said.

Catley would not say if the driver would be fired.

A spokesperson for the Premier’s Department, which employs ministerial drivers, said its code of conduct had “clear requirements regarding consumption of alcohol while at work”. The department would not comment further.

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