Repeat drinkdriver avoids prison

A RECIDIVIST drinkdriver who has amassed six convictions — with levels all more than twice the legal limit — in just over 30 years was told he was ‘‘on the edge of a prison sentence’’ yesterday.

In the Queenstown District Court, Judge John BrandtsGiesen rejected a presentence report recommending Trevor Russell Martyn (53) of Ahuriri Flat, near Kaka Point, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment after admitting driving with a breath alcohol level of 847mcg at High St, Balclutha on February 21.

It is the lowest level for which he has been convicted.

Judge BrandtsGiesen said in 1985 he had a bloodalcohol level of 223mg — the legal limit is 50mg.

In 1991 his level was 950mcg and in 2000 his third conviction came after a reading of 1485mcg.

In 2002 he had a breath alcohol level of 1294mcg and in 2013 it was 1042mcg. The legal limit is 250mcg.

Lawyer Joseph Mooney said Martyn’s issue was ‘‘clearly’’ drinking and driving as he was otherwise a good member of the community and held down a good job.

He did not own a car, but wanted an alcohol interlock device.

Judge BrandtsGiesen said Martyn’s record was ‘‘appalling’’. ‘‘You clearly drink too much. ‘‘You are, I suspect, what is often called a functioning alcoholic — or, at least, a binge drinker.

‘‘However, you are a man with many talents and your references indicate that.

‘‘On the road, however, you are a total menace.’’

While he was on the cusp of a prison sentence, Judge BrandtsGiesen stopped short of that because he had a good job.

‘‘It is only because [of that] I’m giving you this extra chance.’’