Prison sentence ‘likely’ for recidivist drink-driver

A recidivist drink-driver has been locked away until sentencing despite being in the midst of treatment for throat cancer as his risk to public safety is too high, a judge ruled.

Scott Christopher Mason entered guilty pleas to his 12th drink-driving charge, as well as driving contrary to a zero alcohol licence, in New Plymouth District Court on Thursday.

The 61-year-old was pulled up around 1.40pm on January 8 on State Highway 1 in Sanson after police received complaints about his manner of driving.

An evidential breath test gave an alcohol reading of 1230 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, making him nearly five times the legal limit of 250mcgs.

Mason told police he had downed two jugs of beer in Levin following a procedure at Wellington Hospital.

In court, defence lawyer Jo Woodcock argued that Mason be bailed before his sentencing date on the basis of humanitarian grounds. He was receiving ongoing treatment for throat cancer and had surgery scheduled to have his feeding tube removed mid-March, she said.

‘‘It’s really essential, in my submission, that he be allowed to just finish up his medical treatment.’’

Suffering a medical condition in custody is not ideal, she said, arguing the quality of treatment was not the same as someone would receive in the community.

But police prosecutor detective sergeant Dave McKenzie opposed bail and indicated police would be seeking an end sentence of jail.

‘‘The police view is that he poses an incredible risk to the community,’’ he said.

Mason has been jailed six times for past drink-driving convictions, which began in 1980.

Some of his previous readings were as high as 1116mcgs, 1127mcgs and 1146mcgs, McKenzie said.

After hearing the submissions, Judge Gregory Hikaka stood the matter down so Woodcock could ask Corrections whether Mason’s specific medical needs could be managed in custody. Woodcock later confirmed that they could be and that Mason could also be transported to appointments.

As a result, Judge Hikaka remanded Mason into custody and ordered he return for sentencing on April 6.

‘‘You have a very unenviable record when it comes to driving with excess alcohol in your system,’’ he said. ‘‘You’ll be remanded in custody. You are too high a risk to the public at this time and a sentence of imprisonment is likely.’’