Risky driving endangers the public

A man’s dangerous spell of driving along Waitara’s main thoroughfare could have led to tragic consequences, a court heard.

At a hearing in the New Plymouth District Court, Sergeant Craig Jones explained how selfemployed builder Zachary John Wright was driving his Audi motor vehicle west on North St about 12.10pm on January 5.

‘‘He has crossed the centreline into the path of an oncoming vehicle which had to brake sharply and then swerve to the right, crossing the centre-line to avoid a collision,’’ Jones said.

Wright continued to drive on the wrong side of the road as he continued over the Waitara bridge. Jones said other motorists on the road tooted their horns and made ‘‘gestures’’. ‘‘A witness working on the side of the road stated his (Wright’s) actions were dangerous as there was busy traffic flow and pedestrians nearby,’’ Jones said.

When stopped by police, Wright told officers he had crossed over as he wanted to park outside the pool to pick up his partner and child but ‘‘got stuck’’ on the wrong side of the road and continued along until he got off the bridge.

Yesterday, Wright pleaded guilty to driving in a dangerous manner. Lawyer Josie Mooney said the summary of facts was accepted by the defendant.

She said, due to Wright’s profession, the mandatory driving disqualification would impact on him significantly but as it was the first offence he had committed of this type, she asked for a fine to be imposed.

Community magistrate Shaun Cole described Wright’s driving as ‘‘pretty horrific’’ and said it could have easily resulted in tragedy. She convicted the 35-year-old and imposed a fine of $600, plus $130 in court costs. He was also disqualified from driving for six months.