Doctor's excuse for DUI doesn't wash with judge

A Wairarapa orthopaedic surgeon who blamed alcohol handwash for failing a breath test while driving has lost his court battle - and licence.

Ian Denholm pleaded not guilty in Masterton District Court to a drink-driving charge after he was found to be over the legal limit when pulled over by police in Masterton on July 6 last year.

Denholm recorded a breath alcohol level of 593 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath when tested back at the police station. The legal limit is 400mcg.

He told the court although he had up to two glasses of wine, it was the alcohol handwash he was using that tipped him over the limit.

The doctor was convicted in Wellington District Court this morning and fined $500, along with having his driving licence suspended for six months.

Judge Stephen Harrop agreed to defer the disqualification until January 23, because Denholm needs his licence in the interim as he is the on-call surgeon over the festive season.

- NZPA