Police drink-driver asks for discharge

A man involved with making sure Northland's police recruits are up to scratch has pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

The Whangarei police officer applied for a discharge without conviction.

Senior Constable Ross Kneebone, 53, the region's recruitment officer, has admitted the charge in the Whangarei District Court.

A second charge of failing to remain stopped for an enforcement officer to complete his work was withdrawn after police were satisfied with his explanation.

The head of police prosecutions in Northland, Senior Sergeant Janine Attwood-Graham, said Kneebone's explanation of why he didn't remain stopped had been accepted.

Kneebone was stopped at a checkpoint on Pipiwai Rd on September 30 last year.

He was breath-tested and charged with drink-driving with an alcohol level of 733 micrograms per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400mcg.

His lawyer Meg Scally asked Judge Duncan Harvey to accept Kneebone's guilty plea and adjourn the matter until today when an application for discharge without conviction would be heard.

Judge Harvey said hearing of the application would depend on the availability of time.

Police oppose the application.

Northland police acting district commander Chris Scahill said Kneebone was still a member of the police but was on restricted duties while the matter was before the court.

He said the criminal justice process was independent from police employment investigations.

"The employment investigation does not commence until after the completion of the criminal prosecution process."

Kneebone's attendance at the Monday hearing was excused when he was summonsed to appear in court on October 13, 2009.

As Northland's recruitment officer, Kneebone plays a key role in helping would-be police officers gain entry into the force.

Northland district commander Superintendent Mike Rusbatch earlier indicated Kneebone's employment would be dealt with once the court action had been completed.

Police staff were not immune from the legislation, Mr Rusbatch said.

He assured the public that they could still have confidence in his officers.

Police regularly conduct blitzes targeting drink-drivers and have a specialised unit, the traffic alcohol group, that takes a "booze bus" on checks around Northland.

- APN