UPDATE: An employer has been sentenced after a drink-driving incident that occurred while he was picking up his apprentice. Tully Joe Denahy, 38, of Orange, Australia, faced the court on July 31, 2025, following a random breath test that revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.135.
The incident unfolded on May 23, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM when Denahy was stopped by police on Matthews Avenue. Denahy claimed he “just had a couple” of drinks after picking up his apprentice from The Ophir Hotel. However, his BAC level was categorized as mid-range drink-driving, which carries serious consequences.
During the court proceedings, Solicitor Mason Manwaring indicated that Denahy pleaded guilty to the charge, describing it as a “high mid-range” offence. He presented a letter explaining the “tragic” personal circumstances that led Denahy to drink that evening. “He’s attempted to get help, he’s self-medicated,” Manwaring stated, highlighting Denahy’s struggles with alcohol after being turned away from hospital assistance.
Despite Manwaring’s arguments that Denahy’s driving was not erratic and he had a relatively clean driving record, Magistrate Gary Wilson firmly disagreed on the matter of issuing a conviction. “I certainly sympathise for the events that happened a couple of years ago,” Wilson remarked, but stressed that there was “no escaping that it’s 0.135,” leading to the inevitable conviction.
As a result, Denahy received a fine of $750, had his driver’s license disqualified for three months, and was placed on a 12-month interlock order that will require him to use a breathalyzer before driving.
This case underscores the severe legal ramifications of drink-driving, particularly for those in positions of responsibility. As drink-driving laws continue to enforce public safety measures, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the perils associated with alcohol consumption and driving.
What’s Next: Denahy now faces a strict monitoring period under the interlock order, which will add to the challenges he must navigate as he seeks help for his issues. As authorities continue to crack down on drink-driving, individuals are urged to consider the risks before consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel.
