A Christchurch coroner has slammed a recidivist drink-driver who was nearly four times over the legal blood-alcohol limit when he crashed, killing himself and seriously injuring his passenger.
Murray James Ferguson, 46, a labourer of Kaiapoi, was killed when he drove through a compulsory stop at an intersection
about 2.5km south of the outskirts of Christchurch, in the early hours of August 12.
Ferguson's car was hit by a four-wheel-drive , The Press reported.
Ferguson died of internal injuries at the scene and his brother, Tewi Lawson, who was the front seat passenger, suffered serious head injuries.
Coroner Richard McElrea was scathing of Ferguson's decision to drive.
"This is another recent example of death on the rural roads of Canterbury with the driver of a motor vehicle having complete disregard for the safety of other road users, and his own safety."
"It was fortunate the driver of the other vehicle was not seriously injured or killed."
Ferguson had previously been charged five times for drink-driving related offences.
Evidence presented at the inquest showed the pair had been drinking for 36 hours before the crash.
A toxicologist report showed Ferguson had a blood-alcohol level of 313mg per 100ml. The legal blood alcohol limit for a person 20 or over is 80mg per 100ml.
- NZPA
