Driver with record blood-alcohol level assessed for treatment programme

A South Dunedin woman facing jail for driving with a blood-alcohol reading of more than five times the legal limit has been further remanded on bail so she can be assessed for an addiction treatment programme.

Patricia Anne Konia, 47, yesterday appeared for the second time in front of Judge Emma Smith in the Dunedin District Court.

Her lawyer, Tim Black, applied for a new sentencing date.

Mr Black told the court Konia's probation officer had suggested she might be able to attend the Salvation Army Bridge treatment addiction programme, for which she was being assessed.

At Konia's first court appearance last month, Judge Smith remanded her on bail - on the condition that she did not drive - to appear yesterday following the preparation of a pre-sentencing report.

At that appearance, Konia admitted driving with a blood-alcohol level of 426mg - the highest Dunedin police can remember - and driving while disqualified after officers stopped her in Nelson St, South Dunedin, at 4.23pm on April 22 following a complaint by a member of the public about her driving.

In December, Konia was disqualified for eight months for driving with a breath-alcohol level of 983mcg in Prince Albert Rd. She was also fined $950, court costs $130.

Judge Smith remanded Konia on bail to appear in court on July 21.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES