A PERTH man is more than $5000 out of pocket after driving drunk and crashing into a flagpole on Raglan Parade in 2008.
Jesse Albert Riley, 21, formerly of Cramer Street and Karana Drive, Warrnambool, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
An L-plater at the time of the charges, he pleaded guilty to failing to display L plates, failing to have a qualified driver, careless driving, and exceeding the blood alcohol limit.
On August 6 2008, after drinking heavy quantities of beer and whiskey, Riley was driving alone on Raglan Parade when he lost control at the Liebig Street intersection.
The car, which was was displaying P plates, collided with one of eight flagpoles on the median strip, causing it to snap at its base.
The cost of fixing the pole was billed at $3408.
Defence counsel Danielle Svede said her client's life was "out of control" at the time. Riley told the magistrate he missed his 2010 court appearance because he had moved to Queensland.
The magistrate gave Riley an aggregate fine of $1500, plus $250 for failing to appear in court. He was also ordered he pay damage costs of $3408.