Nelson police ‘stunned’ by driver nearly five times over drink limit

A 25-year-old male driver who tested nearly five times the legal alcohol limit has been arrested and charged. Photo / Ben Fraser

A male driver who turned over a “shockingly high” alcohol breath test of nearly five times the legal limit has been arrested and charged.

Police said they were left “stunned” after a 25-year-old driver returned the result.

Sergeant Mike Thom said it was lucky no one had been hurt.

“This was a shockingly high reading and put the driver, other road users and anyone around him at serious risk of harm. He denied drinking but the results disagreed with him.”

Officers were alerted to the unruly driver by calls from another motorist.

“The caller rang police about 6.45pm on Thursday, to say a vehicle was ‘all over the road’ and had three near-misses with other motorists.

“The car in question was driving northbound on Tahunanui Drive before pulling over at a convenience store.”

By this time, three units were looking for the “swerving” vehicle, which was eventually stopped by police on Bishopdale Ave.

The man was arrested and charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and is due to appear in Nelson District Court in late April.

He has been suspended from driving for 28 days.