Orange man sentenced for high-range drink-driving

Matthew Alan Heagney, 55, pleaded guilty to high-range drink-driving in Orange Local Court. The incident occurred on June 23, 2026, when Heagney was stopped by police on Anson Street. Officers noted he had a flushed face and the smell of alcohol on his breath. A roadside test returned a positive result, after which Heagney admitted to consuming several drinks.

Judge Elizabeth Ellis noted that Heagney had a previous drink-driving offence in 2018. Heagney's solicitor stated the incident followed a work celebration and noted that the resulting sentence would impact the defendant's ability to commute to work and visit family. Heagney faces license disqualification and an interlock order.