Dangerous driver has 'blot on his copy book'

A driver who fled police might have been worried about being breath-tested, a judge said.

Tolo-Li Moala was spotted by police on July 10 driving at 101km/h, in a 50km/h zone, police prosecutor Sergeant Stephen Butler told the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday.

Police gave chase, but the 23-year-old continued, heading onto London St and driving over a traffic island when he failed to negotiate a turn.

He was eventually stopped on Carlton Ave, where a breath test found him to have 354mcg of alcohol in his system. The infringement level for breath alcohol is 250mcg, but the level for a conviction is anything higher than 400mcg.

Moala did not have a New Zealand licence and had not previously held a licence in Samoa either where he lived, Mr Butler said.

Moala pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to stop for red and blue flashing lights.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Burlace said Moala was in New Zealand on a visitor's visa.

"He clearly made a number of bad decisions on the day. He offers no excuses for those. He also offers his apology," she said.

Judge Philip Crayton said Moala had not previously appeared before the court in New Zealand.

"You understand that not only have you blotted your copy book with the local police and the local community, but also you've really affected your family," he said.

The family car had been impounded as a result of the offending.

"It was, I have to say, a very bad piece of driving. I can't help but think it was motivated by your concerns as to what the breath test might be when you were stopped, but that's by the by."

He sentenced Moala to nine months disqualification from driving and 40 hours of community work.