Actor Simon Baker has avoided a conviction for drink-driving.
The Hollywood star was met by a media scrum when he arrived at Mullumbimby Local Court in northern NSW on Wednesday wearing a sage green suit.
The 55-year-old was seen driving erratically on Booyong Road in northeast NSW by police for about 8 kilometres about 2.11am on July 20, the court was told.
Simon Baker leaves the Mullumbimby Court House on Wednesday.Credit: AAP Image/Darren England
Magistrate Kathy Crittenden said there were “unusual” circumstances, with a worldwide Microsoft outage ensuring police systems were offline and a breath test could not be completed.
“Ordinarily police would’ve proceeded with a breath analysis, but they had to use the old-fashioned sobriety test,” Crittenden said.
Baker was observed to be unsteady on his feet and smelt of alcohol, telling officers he had consumed four glasses of wine at a dinner from 6pm.
“[Baker] was very polite and co-operative ... extremely remorseful for his actions,” Crittenden said of Baker, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant.
Baker, who previously pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, received a nine-month good behaviour bond and no conviction was recorded.