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A repeat drink-driver has had a jail sentence significantly reduced on appeal. Robert Patterson was sentenced to nine months in jail at the Ballarat Magistrates Court last year after he pleaded guilty to his 10th drink-driving offence. But County Court Judge Duncan Allen reduced the sentence to one month behind bars on Wednesday. The court, sitting in Ballarat, was told Patterson had been drinking heavily when he was caught behind the wheel driving 40km/h in a 100km/h zone. Patterson told the court he was his partner’s carer and a long jail sentence would affect her. The court was told he had made numerous steps to treat his alcoholism, including voluntarily attending Ballarat Community Health and a doctor. Judge Allen said it was appropriate the magistrate sentenced Patterson to a term of imprisonment. When he is released from jail, he will complete a two-year Community Corrections Order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid community work and assessment and treatment for alcoholism. Patterson was banned from driving for 10 years.

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