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For his 19th conviction for driving while disqualified, Ryan Bradley Watson has been jailed for 16 months.
He smiled and pulled faces in the dock during his sentencing by Christchurch District Court Judge Colin Doherty.
Watson, 24 and unemployed, had admitted his third drink-driving offence and his 19th disqualified driving.
Defence counsel Gerard Lynch asked for a sentence that would help Watson address the alcohol problem that was plaguing him.
Judge Doherty said Watson had already served several prison terms, including the latest one of nine months, for his recidivist disqualified driving.
"Deterrence isn't working. When you continue to drink and drive while disqualified you are putting the public at risk."
He jailed Watson for 16 months and ordered him to undergo drug and alcohol assessment and treatment. Leave to apply for home detention was refused.
Watson was disqualified for another year, which means he can get his licence back in February 2009.
- NZPA
