A Queenstown man has earned the dubious distinction of recording the highest breath alcohol level seen in Otago and Southland for at least six years.
Scott Duncan, 46, of Jacks Point, gave a reading of 1981mcg — nearly eight times the legal limit — after being stopped in Kawarau Rd about 3.15pm on Monday last week.
Duncan was pulled over after police received a complaint about his driving from a member of the public.
The defendant, who admitted a charge of drink-driving in the Queenstown District Court last week, told police he had been drinking the night before, and was on his way to pick up his wife from work.
Counsel Bryony Shackell said Duncan was interested in attending The Right Track programme for young or recidivist driving offenders early next year.
Community magistrate Sally O’Brien told Duncan there was "no getting around" his extremely high alcohol reading.
She remanded him for sentencing next year.
Of the eight drink-drivers who appeared in court last Friday, two more recorded breath-alcohol levels over 1300mcg.
Another tip-off led to police stopping Fijian national Nilesh Krishna, 51, in Athol St in Queenstown’s town centre about 9pm on November 10.
His breath-alcohol level was 1359mcg, which is more than five times the legal limit.
Krishna, an unemployed chef, told police he had been driving home because his young daughter was there by herself.
His lawyer, Tanya Surrey, said he had miscalculated how much he had drunk.
"He very much regrets it in the cold light of day."
Ms O’Brien said there was "no excuse" for his actions, noting he had a previous conviction for drink-driving also involving a very high level.
She convicted Krishna and imposed a $600 fine.
After a 28-day stand-down, he can apply for an alcohol interlock licence.
He must also undergo six months’ supervision to enable a drug and alcohol assessment, and any education or treatment recommended.
Albert Town builder Cody Robert Richardson, 26, recorded a level of 1306mcg after he was stopped by police in Ardmore St, Wānaka, about 10.30pm on November 30.
Richardson had consumed "a few drinks" after work, Ms Surrey said.
He had assured her he did not have an alcohol problem, and the incident was a "one-off".
Mitigating factors in sentencing were his "youngish" age, and lack of previous drink-driving convictions.
Ms O’Brien expressed scepticism about Richardson’s appraisal of his attitude to drinking, and sentenced him to six months’ supervision to enable a drug and alcohol assessment.
He was fined $650, and after a 28-day stand-down, can apply for an alcohol interlock licence.
