Drainlayer keeps licence

Originally published in the Malborough Express 14/02/2012

A Christchurch drainlayer was sentenced to 200 hours’ community work for drink-driving.

Robert Dunn, 50, admitted the charge of drink-driving, third or subsequent, when he appeared in Blenheim District Court before Judge Stephen Harrop yesterday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said Dunn was stopped on Tainui St, in Greymouth and was found to have 684 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400mcg.

Dunn was stopped by police about 5.15pm on October 24, 2010.

Dunn’s lawyer, Patrick Winkler, of Auckland, asked the judge not to disqualify Dunn because he was needed to rebuild Christchurch. It would be difficult to work without his licence, Mr Winkler said.

Judge Harrop expressed his disappointment that the case hadn’t been dealt with sooner, but told Dunn he was impressed with how he had used his time since being stopped.

“While I accept that the other two offences were a long time ago, it’s (drink-driving, third and subsequent) a charge that carries two years’ imprisonment, and I am taking that into consideration.

“It’s unsatisfactory that it has taken this time to resolve, but you have used your time effectively Mr Dunn, travelling to Auckland for courses and completing the advanced driving skills course, approved by the AA – and that weighs heavily in your favour.”

Mr Harrop said he accepted there was greater benefit in keeping Dunn’s licence active, and agreed not to impose a disqualification.

“However, I have to set down a penalty that balances out the disqualification fairly.”

Dunn was sentenced to 200 hours’ community work.