Curiosity ends in driving conviction

A Hamilton man convicted of drink-driving was nabbed after he stopped and asked police why they were "milling around" a house.

Darryl Eastwood, 43, a steel fabricator, was sentenced yesterday to 160 hours' community work and nine months' supervision after he earlier pleading guilty to a charge of driving with an excess breath alcohol level.

On December 12 last year Eastwood was drinking with a friend when he became concerned by his associate's "rowdy" behaviour and offered to drive him home.

During the trip Eastwood noticed several police officers "milling around" a house and stopped to talk to them.

The officers, who were investigating a burglary, responded by breath-testing the defendant.

Eastwood blew 659mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. The limit is 400.

Defence counsel Jennifer Raleigh agreed Eastwood's decision to drink and drive was "foolish" and put other motorists at risk.

Judge Denise Clark said Eastwood's offending was made worse by his two previous convictions for drink-driving.

The judge disqualified Eastwood from driving for 12 months and one day, and ordered him to complete any recommended alcohol and drug counselling.

A Hamilton man convicted of a third burglary was warned he faced jail if he breached his sentence.

Jonathon Johnson, 24, was sentenced yesterday in the Hamilton court to five months' community detention and placed under nine months' intensive supervision after admitting a burglary charge.

In October last year, Johnson broke into a shed on a rural property, stealing a water blaster and line trimmer.

Judge Clark warned that a "wrong step" during the term of his sentence could result in jail. He was also ordered to pay $400 reparation.

- © Fairfax NZ News