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Mum, dad from different families front court for drink-driving with kids in car

A mother has been sentenced to 12 months in jail after blowing almost four times the blood alcohol limit with her children in the car.

But she wasn't the only parent in court on Wednesday accused of risking young lives.

Before two different courts, the mother and a father - from two different families - faced sentencing, both so drunk they blew high-range readings with children as passengers.

Mother-of-three Kara McAllister was jailed for 12 months but was told she can serve her sentence at home.

Jamie Burdett, left, and Kara McAllister, right, both fronted court on Wednesday on drink driving charges. Source: 7 News
Jamie Burdett, left, and Kara McAllister, right, both fronted court on Wednesday on drink driving charges. Source: 7 News

"It was a very poor decision that I made, and I'm very remorseful for that decision," Ms McAllister said.

Father-of-two Jamie Burdett - a masseur who counts model Miranda Kerr as one of his clients - has had his sentencing adjourned.

His arrest was filmed by shocked onlookers as his young children watched on in distress.

Jamie Burdett's sentencing has been adjourned. Source: 7 News
Jamie Burdett's sentencing has been adjourned. Source: 7 News
Burdett's children watched on as their father was arrested. Source: 7 News
Burdett's children watched on as their father was arrested. Source: 7 News

The Magistrate said she was simply astounded that Ms McAllister would put the lives of three young children at risk.

Having avoided a jail cell, Ms McAllister is also adding her voice to those warning of the dangers for other motorists over the Australia Day long weekend.

"It could have got a lot worse, so never, ever do it," she said. "I could have lost my family."

"There's nothing more stupid than drink driving whilst you have your children in the car," victim's advocate Howard Brown said.

Police are warning drivers to be extra careful with double demerit points in place over the weekend.

Double demerit points are in place over the Australia Day long weekend. Source: 7 News
Double demerit points are in place over the Australia Day long weekend. Source: 7 News

NSW Police said the 2017 road toll was the worst since 2010.

Already this year is off to a bad start, with more than one person on average killed each day on the roads.