Guildford's brother avoids jail for drink-driving

Victor has been told he can't live with Zac Guildford, for fear the living situation would be 'party central.' Photo / Sarah Ivey

The brother of All Black Zac Guildford has avoided a jail sentence for repeated drink-driving.

Victor Guildford, 21, appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday for sentencing on his third drink-drive conviction.

Judge Richard Watson sentenced him to four months' community detention, which will be served in Napier at his mother's house.

Guildford pleaded guilty in Napier District Court earlier this month where his lawyer Michael McAleer successfully sought a deferral of sentencing to establish an address at which he could serve community or home detention.

Judge Watson rejected the possibility of Victor staying with brother Zac, saying living with a group of males of his age could make it "party central".

At yesterday's sentencing he was curfewed and was not permitted to leave his mother's house after 6pm.

The judge also imposed nine months' supervision and recommended he undertake alcohol and drug counselling.

The latest charge arose after he drove drunk at Taradale about 4.20am on April 29. He was stopped and breath tested before returning a breath alcohol level of 763mcg, almost twice the legal limit of 400mcg.

Older brother Zac made national headlines after a series of alcohol-related incidents, including a bar disturbance while holidaying in Rarotonga last November.