Hamilton drink driver, 22, so drunk she 'couldn't stand'

A community magistrate says Sarah Kirkness, 22, was lucky not to kill anyone after driving home drunk after a party and crashing head-on into a car.

A young Hamilton woman was so drunk after crashing head-on into another car she was unable to stand up without support.

Sarah Louise Kirkness then told arresting officers that she couldn't remember how the crash happened on Ohaupo Rd [State Highway 3], Melville, about 2am on September 2.

Kirkness appeared before community magistrate Ngaire Mascelle for sentencing in the Hamilton District Court today on charges of driving with excess breath alcohol level - 913mcg - and reckless driving.

The legal limit is 250mcg.

The court heard how Kirkness decided to drive home after drinking at a party in Ohaupo.

As she approached the roundabout intersection with Saxbys Rd, she crossed the centre line into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

The car tried to avoid a crash by veering as far left as possible and slowing down to about 20km/h.

However, Kirkness' vehicle continued to veer towards the car before completely crossing lanes and crashing head-on.

Attending officers noticed that she was unable to stand without support. She admitted drinking alcohol.

When questioned about the crash, she told officers she couldn't remember how it happened.

Speaking on her behalf, lawyer Anne-Marie Beveridge said Kirkness accepted she was driving outside the requirements of her restricted licence and that the breath alcohol level was "extremely high".

"She recognises that it is fortunate that she didn't injure or kill herself or others in the course of this off. She is very remorseful and insightful as to why she offended in this way."

Kirkness was a beneficiary but actively looking for a job, she said.

Mascelle said her driving was "very concerning".

"You should have been well aware of the fact that you were in no position to be driving. Coupled with that you were only on your restricted licence.

"You were very fortunate not to have hurt or killed someone because of your actions."

Mascelle convicted Kirkness on both charges and sentenced her to 120 hours' community work and disqualified her from driving for nine months.

She was also ordered to pay reparation of $500 which would be done at $5 per week.