His brother-in-law had died in the Pike River coal mine tragedy, and Evans' family home had been badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes. The father-of-four also told his lawyer that medical tests had found swollen lymph nodes which could indicate he has lymph node cancer - giving him a maximum of two years to live.
"His life really has hit rock bottom," Mr Rout told the court.
The public gallery listened in quiet amazement as Evans' litany of bad luck was recounted.
The lawyer said he was broke and not in a position to pay a fine or do community work because of his work injuries.
"I think this man has suffered enough."
Judge Phillip Moran agreed.
He told an upset Evans in the dock: "Well, Evans, that's the worst story I've ever heard in court. This is a case where justice must be tempered with mercy."
Evans was disqualified from driving for six months and allowed to go.
