Drunk hit-and-run driver faces jail

Katie Dixon. Photo / Geoff Sloan

A hit-and-run driver who crashed into a pregnant bride-to-be's car while more than three times over the alcohol limit is facing a jail term.

Labourer Regan Brain, 26, pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court this week to dangerous driving, drink-driving and two counts of leaving a crash scene without checking if anyone was injured.

Judge Jane Farish told Brain he should "bring a bag" to his sentencing in February as "short-term imprisonment" was likely.

Brain, a recidivist drink-driver, recorded a breath alcohol reading of 1309mcg/litre when he was arrested after the September 22 crashes.

Brain was fleeing another crash he caused in Woolston when he struck Katie Dixon's car at the Breezes Rd/Bridge St roundabout in Bromley.

He then drove off pursued by two members of public. Dixon, who was eight months pregnant, said it was "good" that Brain had pleaded guilty. "It's good in a situation like this that the person takes responsibility and then is held accountable for their actions," she said.

Dixon, 32, was unharmed but her car was a write-off. Two motorists who saw what happened followed Brain until he stopped, and then caught him.