First three alcohol interlock devices ordered for drinkdrivers

THE first three alcohol interlock devices were ordered in the Queenstown District Court yesterday for drinkdrivers following a legislation change on July 1.

The new law means repeat drinkdrivers or any with a breath alcohol reading of over 800mcg, or the equivalent blood reading, must first be disqualified for 28 days. After that offenders need to apply to have an alcohol interlock device fitted at a cost of up to $3100.

The device must be installed for at least a year and can be removed only if the offender has six months free of violations.

Drivers then have to apply and pay for a zeroalcohol licence, which lasts three years.

The first drinkdriver sentenced under the new legislation yesterday was Chelsea Rose Toyer (26), of Earnscleugh, who was stopped by police in Ardmore St, Wanaka, at 2.40am on June 17, and returned a breath alcohol reading of 847mcg.

Judge John BrandtsGiesen imposed a lower fine of $400, to recognise the cost of the alcohol interlock, ordered her to pay $130 court costs and disqualified her for 28 days from June 17, or until such time as the device was fitted.

Scott Alexander Morrison (40), consultant, of Lake Hayes Estate, admitted driving with a breath alcohol level of 718mcg in Quill St on June 22. While his level was under 800mcg, he had a previous drinkdriving conviction in the past five years.

Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin said Morrison was driving his vehicle at 2.39am. As he neared his home he was ‘‘distracted by his vehicle making a noise’’.

It hit the rear of a parked vehicle, rolled and landed on its roof.

He made his way to his home, where police found him a short time later.

Judge BrandtsGiesen fined him $400, court costs of $130 and sentenced him to 12 months’ supervision with special conditions.

He was also disqualified for 28 days or until such time as an alcohol interlock device was fitted.

Taylor Scott Harper (19), of Albert Town, admitted driving with a breath alcohol level of 683mcg in Ardmore St, Wanaka on June 14, his second such conviction.

He was fined $300 and disqualified for 28 days or until a device was fitted.