Prison plea from repeat drink-driver

I NEED JAIL: A drink-driver says jail is the only solution for him.

A serial drink-driver asked if he could be sent immediately to prison when he appeared in the Masterton District Court on Thursday.

George Howard Timothy Carrington, 38, of Martinborough, pleaded guilty to a third or more charge of drink-driving, at a level of 1179mcg - almost three times the criminal limit.

It was his sixth drink-driving conviction in a history stretching back to 1994, and Carrington also pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and failing to stop for police.

Carrington was seen driving erratically on Queen St, Masterton, about 1.30am on Saturday, June 20.

Ignoring the police flashing lights, he was followed by officers for about 1.7km before stopping.

A subdued yet talkative Carrington spoke several times from the dock, though he was also represented by lawyer Virginia Pearson.

"Can we deal with this today, please?" Carrington asked Judge Jan Kelly.

"I want to be out of society and get myself fixed."

Through Ms Pearson, Carrington asked the judge to impose a prison sentence followed by a residential alcohol programme.

Ms Pearson said Carrington "since the time of his arrest has been very proactive in gathering information so the court would be able to sentence him today".

The remorseful recidivist had waived his right to a pre-sentence report and already organised his own paperwork - a report from addiction body Care NZ and an update from the probation service.

Judge Kelly said at the time of his arrest, Carrington was subject to supervision and disqualification beginning in February 2 - the latest of five previous convictions.

The judge said Carrington "appears motivated and believes it is in his best interest to be sentenced on a custodial basis", followed by a residential alcohol programme. Judge Kelly sentenced Carrington to three months' imprisonment, with special release conditions that he attend an alcohol and drug treatment programme and/or counselling as directed.

Carrington was disqualified indefinitely from driving and told that when he resumed driving, he would be subject to a "zero alcohol licence" for three years.

A letter was ordered sent to the owner of the car Carrington was driving, warning that if it was used to commit a similar offence in future, it would be subject to confiscation.