Soap star sorry for second drink-drive offence

Pua Magasiva

Shortland Street actor Pua Magasiva has been banned from driving following his second drink-drive offence.

Pauivanu Paulo Pua Magasiva, 24, of New Lynn, who plays the part of Vinnie in the hospital soap, admitted a charge of driving with 593 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400.

Police prosecutor Tania Smith told Judge Patrick Mahoney in the Auckland District Court yesterday Magasiva was stopped in Hobson St on May 29.

His lawyer, Paul Heaslip, said his client was surprised to find he was over the limit.

Judge Mahoney said this was Magasiva's second offence. He banned him from driving for six months and fined him $700 with $130 costs.

Through a spokeswoman for Shortland Street's production company South Pacific Pictures, Magasiva said: "I did the wrong thing and I am very sorry. I am learning from my mistakes. I'm sorry I've let everyone down - my family, my workmates and people who watch me on Shortland Street."

Magasiva was born in Samoa but grew up in Wellington. This year he featured in the Achievers 05 magazine published by the Pacific Business Trust, which highlights Pacific success.