A commercial bus driver was dismissed in November when he was found drink-driving on the job after passengers booked on a bus from Queenstown Airport were so concerned they called police.
In the Queenstown District Court before Judge Bernadette Farnan yesterday, Bruce Stewart Cameron (63), of Alexandra, admitted driving with a breath-alcohol level of 799mcg on November 27.
Prosecuting Sergeant Grant Gerken said Cameron had been employed as a driver for Oceania and had arrived at the airport to pick up a group of passengers, some of whom were medical professionals.
While speaking to Cameron they became concerned he had been drinking and called police.
Sgt Gerken said the defendant was standing beside the bus when police arrived.
He had been driving since 2.30pm, had earlier transported passengers and admitted driving the empty bus to the airport.
Cameron, who told police he had been drinking beer until about 1am that day, exhibited signs of recent alcohol intake and had ``glassy eyes''.
His licence was suspended for 28 days, but on December 22 - two days before the suspension was due to expire - he was found driving in Alexandra.
Cameron showed signs of recent alcohol intake, but refused to undertake a breath-alcohol screening test, an evidential breath screening test or to provide a blood sample. He had no explanation for driving.
Defence counsel Louise Denton said Cameron acknowledged his issues with alcohol and was seeking help.
He had previously been employed as a yacht skipper in Australia, but lost that job due to his issues with alcohol. He had come to Queenstown for a ``fresh start'' and his employment as a bus driver began only a month before his first charge.
Ms Denton said Cameron, became stressed over trying to find suitable accommodation, which caused him to relapse.
For drink-driving Judge Farnan sentenced Cameron to 12 months' intensive supervision, with special conditions, and disqualified him from driving for 12 months and one day.
He was sentenced to 100 hours' community work and disqualified for six months, cumulative, from January 16, 2019 on a charge of driving while suspended and for refusing to supply a blood specimen he was sentenced to 100 hours' community work and disqualified from driving for six months, both community work and disqualification terms to be served concurrently.
