Dunedin District Court
CRASHING into a vehicle at an intersection after failing to slow down or check the way was clear brought a drinkdriver before the Dunedin District Court yesterday.
Griffyn Legge (22), employed, of Dunedin, had been convicted of driving with a breathalcohol level of 752mcg, and carelessly, on August 17.
The police summary said that driving on Eglinton Rd and approaching the intersection with South Rd, about 10.40pm, Legge failed to slow down or check the road was clear.
He collided with the victim’s vehicle, which was travelling in South Rd.
The victim was taken to hospital with head injuries. She also had bruising to her chest and neck.
Both vehicles were extensively damaged and undriveable.
Legge admitted his speed approaching the intersection was 65kmh. He further stated he was sober while driving but took five or six swigs of vodka between the time of the crash and when police arrived.
Judge Michael Turner noted Legge expressed remorse to the presentence report writer. He said he had drunk beer beforehand and described his actions as ‘‘irresponsible’’.
Aggravating factors were the high level of alcohol in Legge’s system, his speeding, and that the victim was injured. Ongoing consequences for the victim were ‘‘headaches and the like’’, the judge said.
For drinkdriving, Legge was sentenced to three months’ community detention (curfewed 6pm Fridays to 6am Mondays), six months’ supervision and eight months’ driving disqualification. Careless driving resulted in eight months’ disqualification (concurrent), and orders to pay $500 emotional reparation and $1150 other reparation.
Other convictions
Langkay Clare Reeves (30), of Ocean View, disqualified driving (previous relevant convictions), Douglas St, Balclutha, about 7.30pm, August 12, four weeks’ community detention (curfewed 6pm Fridays to 6am Mondays, fortnightly), 60 hours’ community work (instead of further disqualification but remains under present disqualification until May 3); substitution of outstanding fines ($1317.40), four weeks’ community detention (concurrent), 40 hours’ community work (cumulative, making total term 100 hours).
Eli James MooreMcDowell (23), of Portobello, breaching community work (failed to complete required number of hours within period prescribed), August 20; two charges of breaching supervision (failed to attend Community Alcohol and Drug Service appointment, as directed, August 10; failed to report to probation, August 17), overall sentence two months’ community detention (curfewed 7pm Fridays to 6am Mondays), six months’ supervision.
Jade Allan Knight (38), of Dunedin, found without reasonable excuse in building in Duncan St and, knowing his conduct likely to intimidate a male, threatened to injure him, November 7, overall sentence 60 hours’ community work.