The MP was fined $2000 and disqualified from driving for nine months.

The drink-driving offence follows 17 counts of speeding, which Marshall said contributed to a driving record he was not proud of.

Magistrate Karen Stafford handed down the penalty after Marshall was stopped by Glen Innes police for a random breath test on Friday, June 28, where he returned a mid-range prescribed concentration of alcohol reading of 0.112.

Magistrate Stafford said she was aware Marshall’s actions have been publically chastised through recent media coverage and that, as part of his public standing, the offence had caused him to surrender two of his ministerial roles as temporary speaker of the Legislative Council and deputy chair of the State and Regional Development Committee. 

“I drank and drove and was a bloody idiot,” Marshall said in a statement to the media after the court appearance.

“I would again like to sincerely apologise to the community, my friends and family for my actions.

“If any good comes from this situation, I hope it is a clear message to others – if you drink and drive you will get caught and suffer the consequences, as I am.

“I now intend to use my position as an MP to help educate others, particularly young people, about the dangers associated with drink driving and that it’s simply not acceptable.

“I want to make it clear that I will continue to work as hard as ever for the people of Northern Tablelands and carry on my work advancing our issues and needs.”