Driver crashes into parked cars while reaching for lighter

Domenic Salvatore Martelli, a 36-year-old truck driver, appeared in Armidale Local Court following a drink-driving incident that resulted in a collision with two parked cars. The crash occurred on March 30 after Martelli bent over to retrieve a dropped lighter, causing him to lose control of his vehicle while navigating a corner.

Although Martelli initially left the scene, his solicitor noted that he returned later to cooperate with police and has since entered into a private payment plan to repair the damage to the vehicles. While a formal blood-alcohol level was not recorded due to the delay, police observations indicated Martelli was unsteady on his feet. Martelli pleaded guilty to a single drink-driving charge, citing the consumption of beer and painkillers for a tooth injury.