Drink drive reserve damage

A young driver’s drunken antics caused $1180 worth of damage to a New Plymouth reserve.

On December 5 last year, William James Love was more than twice the legal driving limit as he drove along New Plymouth’s Pembroke St.

About 11.40pm, he drove onto a grassed area known as the Salaman Reserve, which is near the intersection of Tavistock and Pembroke Sts.

Love performed a series of donuts on the grass, causing extensive damage to the reserve.

‘‘A short time later the defendant’s vehicle has become stuck in the mud due to the amount of damage he caused,’’ the summary of facts said.

Police were called to the scene and located Love a short time later.

A breath test was then carried out on him and he returned a result of 658 micrograms, which is more than twice the legal limit of 250mcg.

On March 11 at 11.25am, Love was riding a moped scooter on Smeaton Rd in Bell Block.

As he approached a police checkpoint he was told to pull over and stop.

But Love sped off instead and was followed by police, who pursued him to Camellia Ave.

During the short chase, which covered about 400m, Love was observed by officers riding on the footpath before he scooted away from them down an alleyway.

Love previously pleaded guilty to charges of causing a sustained loss of traction, driving while disqualified, wilful damage, failing to stop and drink driving.

During his sentencing in the New Plymouth District Court on Wednesday, lawyer Jo Woodcock said Love would be able to pay $50 per week back towards the $1180 reparation sought.

In addition to paying the money back, Love was sentenced to eight months’ supervision and ordered to complete 150 hours of community work.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

- Deena Coster