Drink-driver jailed again

Jail was inevitable for a Whangarei man with 10 previous convictions for drink-driving, including three separate sentences of imprisonment for repeatedly getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Justin Paratene, 38, appeared for sentencing in the Whangarei District Court this week on his 11th charge of driving with excess breath-alcohol, one of driving while forbidden and another of failing to answer district court bail.

Judge Greg Davis queried at what point would Paratene get the message that drinking and driving didn't go hand in hand.

Paratene's lawyer Melissa Russell said the level of 559 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath was relatively low and unlike on previous occasions, he didn't blatantly get into a vehicle and drive.

He'd been drinking the night before to celebrate his family moving into a new house and drove to get some food in the morning before he was stopped by police about 10am on December 12, 2013.

She asked for leave so that Paratene could apply for home detention.

Sergeant Glenn Lane said there was no vehicle fault, the alcohol level seemed moderate and that it was some time since Paratene's last conviction for drink-driving in 2009.

Judge Davis highlighted Paratene's previous convictions for excess breath alcohol that included 456mcg and 839mcg in September 1995, 518mcg in 1998, 738mcg in 1999, 794mcg in 2001, 668mcg, 877mcg and 970mcg in 2002, 502mcg in 2003 and 973mcg in 2009.

The legal limit for motorists aged 20 and over is 400mcg

Paratene's criminal history spans six pages.

Judge Davis said jail was the only outcome.

He sentenced Paratene to 18 months in prison on all charges and granted him leave to apply for home detention.