A Queenstown electrician decided to drive while nearly five times the legal limit because of "extortionate" taxi rates, his lawyer says.
Joshua James Baldwin, 33, of Fernhill, was stopped by police while driving on the Frankton-Ladies Mile highway about 2.20am on February 18.
At Baldwin’s sentencing in the Queenstown District Court yesterday, counsel Louise Denton said he had been out drinking when he decided to drive to his partner’s home.
The last time he had got a taxi, he was charged an extortionate rate, Ms Denton said.
Although it was a high alcohol reading, there had been no driving error.
He had one previous conviction for drink-driving, in 2010.
"This is out of character for the man he is now."
Community magistrate Elder Robati imposed a fine of $1350 and $130 court costs.
To drive again, Baldwin must apply for an alcohol interlock licence after a 28-day stand-down period.
— Guy Williams, NZ on Air court reporter
