Barrister who tried to cheat drink driving test sentenced

Doug Taffs tampered with a breath-testing machine and hid coins in his mouth to dodge a drink-driving conviction. Photo / supplied

Embattled Westport barrister Doug Taffs, who tried to cheat a police breathalyser machine by stuffing coins in his mouth, was yesterday disqualified from driving for 13 months and fined $4000.

Taffs pleaded guilty in the Nelson District Court to driving with excess breath-alcohol, failing to remain for an evidential breath test, and obstructing police.

Judge Pat Grace said Taffs' case was "quite a dichotomy" given his prominence as a respected lawyer and member of the West Coast community.

The judge commented on Taffs' "stupid and inexplicable behaviour" the night he was arrested.

Taffs left the breath testing suite at the Nelson police station in an apparent attempt to reunite himself with his dog he had left in the car, not realising he had been placed in custody. When he returned he interfered with breath testing equipment and hid coins in his mouth in an attempt to thwart the breathalyser.

Judge Grace said the widespread coverage of Taffs' case had already "diminished the respect he has earned over many years".

Taffs had previously been convicted of excess breath-alcohol on two occasions, in 1981 and 1993, but the historical nature of those was taken into consideration.

Judge Grace said Taffs was "totally remorseful" about everything he did, even "to his credit" writing to the officer he had given "the run-around" that night.

In the letter, Taffs admitted that he "lost the plot and acted like a complete prat.