KEY POINTS:
A Katikati man caught driving almost three times the limit then told police "thank you for saving my life".
Balihar Singh, 39, was spotted driving erratically on State Highway 2 on March 30 by a member of the public who called police.
When the other motorist tried to overtake him, Singh cut back into the lane nearly running the other vehicle off the road.
The complainant followed Singh on to Maungatapu roundabout, before he turned right to head into Tauranga city via Turret Rd and 15th Ave before police intercepted him in Te Puna.
Singh, who had a flushed face, glazed eyes and slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet, told police he had been drinking shots of whiskey before driving and wanted to thank the person who called police. "Thank you for saving my life," he said.
Yesterday, Singh pleaded guilty to driving with excess blood alcohol when he appeared in Tauranga District Court. It was his fourth conviction.
When Singh was breathalised, he had an excess blood alcohol reading of 234 milligrams - the legal limit is 80.
His lawyer, Craig Tuck, successfully argued before Judge Stan Thorburn that given the 10-year gap since Singh's last conviction he should be sentenced to community work and supervision. Judge Thorburn agreed.
"But this was absolutely horrendous alcohol-impaired driving Mr Singh and, as you yourself recognise, you could well have caused serious injury to another person and possibly yourself."
Judge Thorburn told Singh that the "main saving grace" was that significant gap, which showed he was capable of getting his life under control.
But Judge Thorburn said it appeared Singh questioned whether he had a drinking problem and he needed to address that.
Singh was sentenced to 150 hours' community work and nine months' supervision. He also lost his licence for one year and one day.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
