Man with 16 drink-drive convictions jailed

A man with 13 convictions for drink-driving has been jailed for 16 months for refusing to undergo a blood alcohol test and threatening a policeman with a piece of wood.

Thomas Wiringi, 48, of Nelson, appeared for sentencing in the Nelson District Court on Tuesday, after earlier pleading guilty to assault with a weapon, possessing equipment used to smoke drugs, refusing an officer's request for a blood test, and driving while disqualified.

Judge Tony Zohrab said the charges related to two separate incidents.

On June 4, Wiringi failed to provide a blood sample after being caught driving while disqualified. On July 7, he threatened to assault a police officer with a piece of wood.

"You didn't actually hit anybody, but by waving a length of timber around as a weapon, you certainly gave people cause for concern."

Defence lawyer Hamish Riddoch said Wiringi was "just bluffing" and was not going to hit the officer.

Wiringi had a history of violence but was a gentle person when sober, Mr Riddoch said.

He had been out of trouble for some time, but had recently resumed drinking.

Judge Zohrab said Wiringi had 13 previous convictions for drink-driving and eight for driving while disqualified. He had been given sentences ranging from prison to supervision.

"The writer of your pre-sentence report said you are not willing to engage at a level that will bring about change."

He sentenced Wiringi to 12 months in prison and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.

He also wiped the remainder of Wiringi's community service hours and instead sentenced him to a further four months in prison.

- nzpa