Pillar of the church had colourful past

During the breath-testing procedure he stood over the constable with clenched fists and shouted, 'Don't you know I could knock your block off?' Photo / File

A West Coast man who drove drunk and assaulted police was described in the Greymouth District Court as a pillar of his church.

The court also heard that Graeme Vincent, of Cobden, had a "colourful" criminal record.

An arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday when the 40-year-old failed to appear for sentencing but that was withdrawn when he turned up yesterday. He was sentenced to three months' community detention, 120 hours' community work and disqualified from driving for seven months.

After attending a heavy metal rock concert at the Royal Hotel, Vincent had ended up so drunk that he drove on the wrong side of the road towards the police, and later tried to get into a fight with them.

While trying to avoid police he drove into a lamp-post.

During the breath-testing procedure he stood over the constable with clenched fists and shouted, "Don't you know I could knock your block off?"

He was charged with driving under the influence to the point of being incapable of controlling the vehicle, being a danger to the public and assaulting the constable.

The next day, Vincent went back to the police station to apologise for his behaviour.

Judge Jane Farish said the apology showed a "significant step of remorse" but she had to take into account Vincent's past.

"You are no stranger to the court and have what I would describe as a colourful history of offending," the judge said.

Lawyer George Linder said Vincent was deeply remorseful.

"He goes to church every Sunday and has the support of the clergy and his fellow parishioners."

- The Greymouth Star