Otago Daily Times

First three alcohol interlock devices ordered for drinkdrive­rs

- COURT REPORTER 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.

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