Judge advises Lotto buy

A driver who sped along one of New Zealand’s newest stretches of highway at 170kmh has been told by a judge to buy a Lotto ticket, after managing to keep his licence and dodge a big fine. Joseph Waru, 32, pleaded guilty in Palmerston North District Court on Thursday to driving in excess of 100kmh, which can only be punished by a fine of up to $1000. But Judge Jim Large said Waru’s driving on February 25 could easily have left him charged with reckless or dangerous driving, which could have led to disqualification or jail. Waru was clocked going 170kmh at 11.40am on the Ka¯piti Expressway, near Paraparaumu. The judge was shocked at both the level of the charge and to hear Waru’s car was not impounded. ‘‘You’ve gotta buy a Lotto ticket.’’ Waru was fined $950 and ordered to pay it at $50 a week.