Two soldiers lose jobs after being caught over limit

Two Canterbury soldiers have been dismissed following drink-driving convictions and another's position is being reviewed.

The names and occupations of the 290 people convicted in May were revealed on a list released to The Press by Canterbury police this week.

People on the list come from diverse backgrounds and include farmers, a musician, a company director, chefs and teachers.

The soldiers were based at Burnham Military Camp at the time of the offending.

Colonel Roger McElwain, Commander of 3rd Land Force Group, said two had been released from the New Zealand Army and the third was having his "retention reviewed".

"We are an organisation of 7500 with a median age of 22. Unfortunately, some of our young soldiers make irresponsible decisions like many other young New Zealanders – this does not excuse their behaviour, it is still unacceptable," McElwain said.

"Burnham is based outside of Christchurch but this is not an excuse for any of our personnel who live out here to drink-drive. There is no excuse for that. Just like all members of the public who live outside of the immediate centre they need to make safe choices for their transport home."

Teachers Aidan Christopher Reid, 38, and Samantha Louise Cliff, 31, were also convicted.

Reid was banned from driving for a year for being more than three times the legal breath-alcohol limit and ordered to do community work; Cliff was disqualified for a year and fined $1200 for blowing nearly double.

Teachers Council deputy director Sharon Kerry said teachers convicted of an offence punishable by three months prison or more, which included drink-driving, were investigated by its complaints assessment committee.

Kerry said she could not comment on individual cases.

One of those convicted in May was John Dalton, 65, of Linwood, who was more than double the limit. "It was just one of those stupid things. I had a couple of drinks at home, well more than a couple, then I realised I hadn't had anything to eat all day. The supermarket was just on the corner and I popped down there," Dalton said.

However, the short trip ended with him being banned from driving for 10 months and ordered to do 130 hours community work.

The three soldiers were identified in the list police released but it was not clear which two were dismissed. Therefore, they have not been named.

- © Fairfax NZ News