'Sleep-driver' needs expert to help claim

A Masterton man's claim that he was "sleep-driving" when he crashed a car into a Wairarapa property may be derailed if he fails to get a sleep expert to give evidence at his trial.

Masterton man Darryl Cox, has pleaded not guilty to driving with excess blood alcohol and driving while holding a revoked license.

He has elected a trial by jury, set down for April.

It is alleged that on November 15, 2013, in the early hours of the morning, Cox was driving down French St in Masterton and missed the corner.

He then allegedly smashed through the wooden fence of a Roberts Rd property, destroying a goldfish pond and ripping up the lawn and gardens.

Damage included a smashed front fence, a drained fish pond and 40 dead goldfish, a damaged corner of the home, and torn rose bushes, and box hedges that were pulled from the ground.

Emergency services found Cox unconscious and cut him out of the Subaru Legacy. He was taken to Wairarapa Hospital, where he later discharged himself.

Cox has maintained he was "sleep-driving" when he allegedly crashed.

In Wellington District Court yesterday, Cox's lawyer Kevin Preston said his client was concerned he did not have funding available to get a sleep expert to give evidence at his trial.

He said without an expert it would be difficult for Cox to put his case forward.

Sleep experts say severe sleepwalkers and people who take sleeping pills can end up sleep-driving and doing other activities automatically.

Judge Bruce Davidson remanded Cox until an appearance date next week.NZME.