Fisher fined $500 for drink driving

Masterton fisherman Paul Elliott Hargood was fined $500 and disqualified from driving for eight months when he appeared in Masterton District Court this week on a charge of drink-driving.

Hargood pleaded guilty to the offence which happened in High Street, Masterton, on January 17.

Prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said a police patrol stopped Hargood about 10pm and he had returned a breath alcohol reading of 503mcg per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400mcg.

Mr Wilson said Hargood had told police he had been working late and had not eaten.

Hargood had been convicted of drink-driving in 2004 when he had returned a reading of 505mcg, Judge Chris Tuohy said.

"You need to realise a third conviction carries a maximum penalty of two years' jail."

Legion Simon, 18, of Masterton, was sentenced to 40 hours' community work and had his driver's licence cancelled for six months.

Simon pleaded guilty to drink driving in Miriam Street, Masterton, on February 7.

Police had stopped his vehicle at 3.20am and Simon returned a breath alcohol reading of 458mcg.

He had told police he had been driving a friend home. Judge Tuohy said he would take into account Simon had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.