Few stubbies too many

Drinking six stubbies of beer before driving has landed a repeat drink driver with a $1000 fine and a 12-month disqualification.

Sione Tupou GRIBBEN, 29, appeared for sentence in the Whangarei District Court on a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol for a third or subsequent time. Gribben was stopped by police on Kamo Rd at 12.05am on July 22 and given a breath test.

He told officers he had drunk six stubbies of beer but a breath test showed a level of 647 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, well above the limit of 400mcg. He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for 12 months and one day for his fourth conviction.

Northland has the highest rate of recidivist drink drivers in the country and the Northern Advocate is publishing its "name and shame" list of all people convicted of drink driving offences in the region.

Also sentenced recently: Mason Anania Tame BARNES, 18, 10656mcg, four months' community detention, 150 hours' community work, disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Samuel Edward ADAMS, 24, supermarket assistant, 655mcg, $650 fine, $132 court costs, disqualified from driving for six months.

Paul Anthony TANIRA, 43, truck driver, 617mcg, 45 hours' community work, disqualified from driving for six months.

Carlene Sue WALKER, 38, 467mcg, $460 fine, $132 court costs, disqualified from driving for six months.

Christopher John BELLAMY, 25, 665mcg, $660 fine, $132 court costs, disqualified from driving for six months.

Christopher Darcy STERLING, 35, joiner, 907mcg, $900 fine, $132 court costs, disqualified from driving for seven months.

General HOHAIA, 17, 349mcg, $350 fine, $132 court costs, disqualified from driving for three months.

Hamiora Ashley Harry PUMIPI, 25, 853mcg, seven months' home detention, disqualified from driving for 15 months.

Ryan POATA, 689mcg, $650 fine, $132 court costs, disqualified for six months.