Drink-driver admits crashing into Avon River
A repeat drink-driver whose car ended up in the Avon River after crashing into a tree and injuring a passenger has been warned that he may face a prison term.
Christchurch District Court Judge David Saunders described Darrell Patai Wilson, 52, as a recidivist drink-driver who had served a 14-month jail term for his last conviction.
Wilson admitted charges of driving with a level of 1202mcg of alcohol to a litre of breath and driving at a dangerous speed on August 2 along River Road in Avonside, which has been badly affected by the earthquakes.
Police said Wilson lost control of his car on a bend when he was driving at more than 70km an hour over the bumpy and rutted surface.
The car became airborne and crashed sideways into a tree before ending up half submerged in the river.
The passenger was hospitalised with broken ribs.
Judge Saunders remanded Wilson on bail for sentencing on November 4 and asked for a pre-sentence report to assess his suitability for home detention.
But he warned Wilson that he was not allowed to drive in the meantime, to protect public safety, and that a prison term would be considered at his sentencing.
Category: News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: