Ropati convicted on drink-drive charge

Tea Ropati, seen with lawyer Gary Gotlieb after today's court appearance, was more than two times over the legal limit. Photo / Greg Bowker

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Tea Ropati has been convicted on one charge of drink driving in the Auckland District Court this morning.

The former Kiwi league star, who was yesterday found not guilty on six sex assault charges, today faced court following an incident on New Year's day.

His lawyer Gary Gotlieb said it was Ropati's first charge of this nature and he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Ropati recorded a blood achohol level of 821, more than two times the legal limit.

He was disqualified from driving for six months from midnight tonight and fined $620 and $130 court costs.

Mr Gotlieb said Ropati had been endured a tough period.

The judge said he deserved significant leniency because of his early guilty plea.

As he left court Ropati told reporters he was glad it was all over.