132km/h through built-up area

A 21-year-old Masterton man who drove at 132km/h through a residential area was sentenced to community work and disqualified from driving.

Matthew David Horrobin, unemployed, appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday, and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, careless driving, failing to stop, and making a false statement.

The charges related to two separate incidents.

Horrobin has a previous driving related conviction from 2001, for sustained loss of traction.

Defence lawyer Louise Elder said Horrobin had some lifestyle factors that influenced him at the time of the offending.

"He has since made some changes in his life.

"He is currently taking drug and alcohol counselling and also undertaking a stopping violence programme. I'm confident this programme will help him make better choices in the future," Ms Elder said.

She said Horrobin would admit driving at 132km/h was a "ridiculous" thing to do.

Judge Tom Broadmore said Horrobin "has obviously got some issues with driving". He convicted him on all charges and sentenced him to a total of 80 hours' community work and nine months' disqualification.