No jail for 'lucky' drink-driver

INCAPABLE: Despite six attempts, Mervyn Wright was not able to complete an evidential breath test. PHOTO/FILE

Convicted of a sixth drink-driving offence Mervyn James Wright was told he was very lucky not to be heading to jail.

The 45-year-old Eketahuna farmhand was sentenced by Judge Tony Walsh in Masterton District Court to a raft of community-based sentences after previously pleading guilty to a charge of drink-driving.

He must also apply for a special licence for three years once a disqualification period is finished.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson told the court Wright was stopped by police about 11pm on March 24 this year driving on Glendonald Rd in Masterton.

He told police he had been drinking and despite six attempts, Wright was not able to complete an evidential breath test, so a blood sample was taken that returned a reading of 92 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, the court heard. The legal limit is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.

A pre-sentence report stated Wright would lose his job if he was sentenced to home detention.

Judge Walsh noted Wright had five previous drink-driving convictions dating back to between 1997 and 2009 and he "must be held to account".

"Rehabilitation is important," the judge told Wright.

Judge Walsh sentenced Wright to three months' community detention with a curfew between 6pm and 6am daily, which will start on September 23.

He also ordered Wright complete 100 hours' community work and undergo intensive supervision.

He disqualified Wright from driving for 15 months.

He explained to Wright he must make an application for a special "zero alcohol" licence at the completion of his disqualification. This licence means he cannot drink any alcohol before driving. "If you don't apply for this you will be treated as a suspended driver," he warned Wright.