Decision to drive drunk was stupid, man admits

Ian Reginald Grant, 65, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared before Judge Stephen Harrop in Masterton District Court.

Caught driving at more than twice the legal alcohol limit, Ian Reginald Grant admitted it was a "stupid idea" to get behind the wheel of his car and drive.

The 65-year pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared before Judge Stephen Harrop in Masterton District Court.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Jodie Lawrence said Grant was stopped on Vivian St by police about 9pm on October 5 and blew an alcohol breath reading of 996 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit for an adult driver is 400mcg.

Mrs Lawrence said Grant told police at the time he had consumed "half a dozen handles of beer" at the Royal Oak Hotel in Carterton and had driven his friend home.

When Judge Harrop asked Grant if he had anything to say about the incident, he told the court he was doing his friend a favour by taking him home.

"It was a stupid idea ... I'm sorry I did this," Grant said.

The judge told him it was "pretty serious" to drive with such a high alcohol level.

"The risks were high. You have the potential to kill driving on the road at this level."

Judge Harrop said Grant had a previous drink-drive conviction albeit in 1996.

"It is something out of character but it is concerning you have in the past done this ... if you were to commit another drink driving offence there will be a new sentencing penalty," he told Grant.

He fined Grant $1250 plus $130 court costs and disqualified him from driving for nine months.