Freedom for drink-driver

One of Hawke's Bay's worst recidivist drink-drivers has been released to the public.

The country's worst drink-driver is due to be released again next month after serving a prison sentence for his 26th drink-driving conviction. Raymond Charles Laing of Hawke's Bay was sentenced to three years in jail in 2012, and will have served his full sentence on May 15. He declined to appear at his last Parole Board hearing on March 19.

When he leaves prison, he will be required to live at an approved address, attend an alcohol and drug treatment programme, and undergo psychological assessment and counselling as directed by a parole officer. He would also be banned from drinking.

Laing reoffended in 2012 just a short time after being released from prison on another drink-driving offence.

He has seven convictions for dangerous driving, including three causing injuries to others, and 31 convictions for driving while disqualified.

Rebecca Williams from Alcohol Healthwatch said yesterday the law needed to do more to address alcohol-related problems.

"It's important to actually unpack this a little bit, and have a look at what's going on around alcohol that needs to be addressed," she said.

"It's very difficult talking after the fact with people who have been drink driving for many many years, it's a very tough nut to crack. Talking about it going forward, that's where we need to make a difference in how we respond to people who are drink driving."