A Tauranga netballer was warned by a judge that she could have gone to jail for up to two years for driving while more than twice over the legal alcohol limit.
Alissha Frances Arahanga, 30, a mother of two, appeared for sentence today before Judge Patrick Treston in
Tauranga District Court.
She had been breath-tested on July 7 after drinking wine at home before going to pick up a cousin. The reading was 946 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.
On a previous occasion she had blown 918mcg.
"It would be very difficult indeed for your family if you go to prison," said Judge Treston.
He told Arahanga: "It was a close run thing with a level of that magnitude, along with your previous convictions since 2002."
She was sentenced to 200 hours' community work and nine months' supervision.
Arahanga was also disqualified from driving for 15 months.
Judge Treston said it was to her credit that she was caring for another family member as well as her two young sons. She was described as a good mother and a talented representative netball player.
Her lawyer John Holmes said Arahanga was remorseful and had been willing to go to alcohol counselling even if she had not been ordered to by the court.
"There is a bit of a problem there and it needs to be addressed," he said.
"She has learnt real lessons over this whole thing and says it will never happen again."
- NZPA
