The court confirmed Rush did not seek name suppression.
In a written statement sent to NZME tonight, Rush's lawyer David Pawson said his client regretted his actions deeply.
"Andrew apologises to the public and his colleagues in the New Zealand Police.
"He has been suffering from a post-traumatic stress injury which rapidly developed into
severe depression and alcoholism," Pawson said.
"Andrew is deeply regretful for what he has done and immediately accepted
responsibility for his actions."
Pawson said that "no one was immune to human frailties" and with the court matter concluded, asked that Rush be "left alone to focus on his rehabilitation".
"His employment situation is a separate matter to which no comment is made."
In a statement today Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Andy McGregor said the officer was convicted and sentenced to six months' disqualification, a $1000 fine and $2013 in reparation.
The on-duty officer was the sole occupant of the police vehicle and was not injured in the crash, McGregor said.
The public rightly expects high standards from police staff, he said.
"We set high professional standards for ourselves and demand integrity from our staff, in terms of judgment, choices and actions.
"The vast majority of our staff act in accordance with police's values."
The officer has been stood down. Police have initiated an employment process and said the organisation was unable comment further on the matter.
- Additional reporting Whakatane Beacon
