A man who was four times over the legal limit to drive told police he just wanted to get his sister home safely.
Tyson Timmins pleaded guilty in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday for driving with a breath alcohol limit of more than 400mcg.
Police prosecutor Rachel Willemsen told the court Timmins was pulled over by police on the evening of December 12 and, when tested, he blew a reading of 987mcg. The legal limit is 250mcg.
Asked for an explanation, he told police he just wanted to get his sister home safely.
His defence lawyer Harete Hipango said there was no excuse for his behaviour although she said his driving was "reasonable" considering he was drunk.
Judge Philip Crayton sentenced Timmins to 80 hours' community work and six months' disqualification from driving. He also ordered him to undergo six months community supervision, during which he must attend drug and alcohol counselling.