COUNTY - Talk about an expensive mistake.

 A Middle Cornwall man was fined $2,012.50 and was ordered to pay $1,680 restitution September 1, just two days before his 20th birthday, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of failing the breathalyser.

 On top of that, he wrote off his car when he crashed it into a ditch driving drunk.

 Nicholas William Bruhm was out with a friend early June 19. They'd been drinking and decided to go get a pizza.

 After they met a police car on Highway 325 in Oakhill, Mr. Bruhm headed down the Oakhill Road, but lost control of the car on a turn, hit a pole and flipped the car upside down in a ditch. He also struck the fence around the Bowater mill, causing an estimated $1,680 damage.

 His passenger sustained a cut on his forehead which required medical attention.

 Meanwhile, Mr. Bruhm blew breathalyser readings of 170 and 160 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. Because he was driving drunk, his insurer wouldn't cover the damages.

 In addition to the fine and a year on probation to pay the restitution, Mr. Bruhm also lost his licence for a year.

posted on 09/07/10