After a fight with his girlfriend, former Western Bulldogs vice-captain Lachie Hunter smashed into four parked cars and then went to a mate's place to drink UDLs.
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The 26-year-old AFL midfielder avoided conviction on Wednesday when he admitted careless driving and drink-driving over the Middle Park incident in April this year.
Hunter also pleaded guilty to leaving the scene without giving his details to one of the vehicles' owners.
He did stop and apologise to two of the owners, telling them he would take full responsibility for the cost of repairs, his lawyer Rob Stary told Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Hunter was ordered to pay a $1000 fine and lost his licence for 12 months.
The crash happened just 400m from his Middle Park home, shortly before 9pm on April 16.
He veered to the left-hand side of the road where he lost control and collided with four parked cars.
The owner of two of the vehicles heard the noise and went outside where Hunter handed over his driver's licence.
"I asked him if he was OK a couple of times - he said he was fine and very sorry for the accident and would fix everything up," the owner said.
Hunter gave his licence to another of the owners, but left the scene before speaking to the third owner.
"I've never been in a collision before, I s*** myself," Hunter told police.
"I've given the first person my details, the other person knew who I was - after that mate, to be honest, I s*** myself."
He was picked up by a friend and they went back to that person's house.
About two hours later police came knocking and asked for a breath test. He initially refused, but ultimately returned a reading of 0.123. Police found UDL cans inside the home.
Magistrate Michelle Hodgson said he had made things more difficult for himself by drinking after the crash.
In handing down her sentence she took into account the significant penalties he had already faced from his club.
The Bulldogs fined him $5000 immediately and suspended another $15,000 fine. He was banned for four matches and voluntarily stood down as vice-captain.
Mr Stary said the former club best and fairest winner was held in high regard by the administration and his peers and had paid a heavy price.
Not covered by insurance because of his drink-driving admissions, he has already paid $5000 out of pocket to one owner and negotiations about "not insubstantial" payments
The court heard Hunter had undergone counselling and alcohol education programs and had excellent prospects of rehabilitation.
Australian Associated Press
