Judge Saunders drew parallels between Gadsby's case and that of recidivist Kerry Wayne Soper, who he sentenced to two and half years imprisonment for his 17th conviction for drink driving. The judge described Soper as a "public menace on the roads"
Gadsby was given credit for admitting himself into a alcohol treatment programme within seven days of being apprehended.
Judge Saunders also said he had accepted that Gadsby had driven only a short distance - about 300m - to drop off some groceries from his car
"But you knew you had been consuming alcohol in a licensed premises."
Gadsby's lawyer - Jonathan Eaton - said Gadsby had accepted a diagnosis of alcoholism given to him last year and had taken steps to get treatment
Mr Eaton said Gadsby was sincerely remorseful and had suffered from being in the public spotlight
"He has been named, shamed and humiliated."
The judge said the drink driving may have been influenced by stresses in his life, including the Christchurch earthquakes
Outside court, Gadsby said he had no comment to make before being rushed away in a waiting car. Among those at court to support him was David McPhail, his former partner in the McPhail and Gadsby television comedy duo.