Shearer jailed for 11th drink-drive offence

A Ranfurly shearer was sentenced to 17 months' jail yesterday after he was convicted of his 11th drink- driving offence.

Enoch Egypt Hawea, 53, was also disqualified from driving for two years when he appeared for sentence before Judge Dominic Flatley in the Alexandra District Court.

Hawea recorded a breath alcohol level of 929mcg, limit 400, on October 7. A member of the public had called police with concerns of Hawea's driving after they saw him weaving across the road and driving into the gravel on the side of the road.

He was first convicted of drink- driving in 1977 and his most recent conviction had been in 2009.

Lawyer Russell Checketts said it was hoped Hawea would be able to get the help he needed for his problems with alcohol to "stop the cycle".

"He's realises he's getting a bit old to be acting like this," Mr Checketts said.

However, it was to Hawea's credit that he had never breached a disqualified driving sentence in 25 years and abided by the punishments he was handed, he said.

The judge said "it's clear you have an alcohol issue, a serious alcohol issue.

"At least this (a jail sentence) ensures the other people using the road are safe," the judge said.

- © Fairfax NZ News