Serial drink-driver with ‘horrendous’ record jailed for 11th conviction

An Albany man with a “horrendous” drink-driving record has been jailed after his 11th conviction for the offence. Paul Anthony Hepworth, 43, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court last week and was sentenced to 14 months behind bars after breaching a conditionally suspended prison order. After a trial last month, Hepworth was found guilty of driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.189 and driving while disqualified. These offences and three breaches of a family violence restraining order were in breach of the CSPO imposed on September 24 last year. Last Thursday, Magistrate Dianne Scaddan triggered the order and also fined him $500. “You’ve had every opportunity through the criminal system for rehabilitation,” she said. “You have continued to drive ... putting members of the public at risk.” Police prosecutor Sgt Alan Dean told the court Hepworth had a “horrendous” drink-driving record. “He has no right, to risk driving a car is unacceptable,” he said. “Mr Hepworth has shown non-compliance with court and community corrections orders. “He is just doing what he wants, when he wants.” Legal Aid lawyer Graeme Payne said Hepworth, a stand-up paddleboard instructor, was trying to address his alcohol issue of 20 years. “He’s tried different medication and counselling but said his addiction is getting the better of him,” My Payne said. Albany police caught him driving near his Mira Mar property on June 3. Hepworth pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming he had driven only on his private property, not public roads. At his sentencing, the court was also told about the three times Hepworth breached a family VRO. He sent “emotionally abusive” text messages to his ex-partner on three occasions. Hepworth has a lengthy record of drink-driving and was disqualified from driving for life in 2017. At the time, Magistrate Raelene Johnston labelled Hepworth’s drink-driving record “one of the worst” she had seen.