A drunk driver crashed into a concrete power pole on Brunswick Rd, cutting power to over 200 residents.
Colin Joseph was speeding along Somme Pde when he lost control attempting a turn due and sent his Ford careening into the pole, snapping its base.
Joseph, 21, high-tailed it from the site of the crash with his partner, but they were found a short distance from the scene by Whanganui police.
Police administered a breath test on Joseph which recorded 1,116 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath - over four times the legal limit.
Lawyer Jamie Waugh said that Joseph has issues with motivation and drinking alcohol due to a skin condition that he suffers from.