Drink-driver speeding in rain before bridge crash

A Marlborough man who was speeding and swerving in heavy rain on State Highway 1 and then rolled his car, was four times over the legal limit.

Kelham James Drew, 27, had an alcohol reading of 1056 micrograms per litre of breath after crashing at a bridge in Tuamarina on July 19. The legal limit is 250mcg.

A vehicle travelling in the opposite direction saw Drew crash as they travelled across the bridge, causing them to brake heavily. Another vehicle crashed into the rear of their car.

Drew pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, breaching a zero alcohol licence and driving with excess breath alcohol when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court on Monday.

The police summary said at midday on July 19, Drew left his Picton home and headed south on State Highway 1.

His parents phoned police as they were concerned about his level of intoxication.

Drew was seen speeding, swerving, crossing the centre lane multiple times and passing dangerously. It was raining heavily at the time.

Drew was travelling too fast for a bend at Tuamarina and lost control of his vehicle hitting the left side barrier.

His car rebounded to the opposite side of the road, smashing into the bridge abutment before rolling onto its roof.

The two crashes caused traffic to back up along State Highway 1.

One person suffered minor injuries in each accident.

Drew was convicted of driving with excess breath alcohol in 2013 and 2018. Following these convictions, he was ordered to have a zero alcohol licence.

Judge Tony Zohrab ordered a probation report, an alcohol and drug assessment and said Drew was not to drive a motor vehicle.

Drew will be sentenced on September 2.