Support services manager Gerard Patrick Collings (53) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty over the August 19 incident.
Among the defendant’s responsibilities at the council is public transport and he has acted as a spokesman on numerous issues in the region.
Outside court yesterday, Collings called his recent indiscretion a "total error of judgement" but would not comment further on the circumstances of the case.
In court it was revealed Collings pulled up at a red light in Great King St, where he stalled.
Police pulled him over because of the error and he immediately admitted he had been drinking.
He told officers he had drunk two bottles before getting behind the wheel but it was not specified what was in them.
A breath test gave a reading of 587mcg — more than twice the legal limit.
"He said he was very upset with himself and had no-one else to blame but himself," Sergeant Paul Knox told the court.
Judge Dominic Flatley said the Mitsubishi Collings was driving was "a commercial vehicle" and under the Sentencing Act, a warning letter would be sent to the registered owner to warn them it may be confiscated if used for the commission of another offence.
ORC chief executive Peter Bodeker told the Otago Daily Times he was aware of the charge faced by the employee.
'It’s an employment matter, so that’s a conversation that’s confidential," he said.
"We won’t be commenting any further."
Council chairman Stephen Woodhead would not be drawn on a response either.
Defence counsel Nathan Laws emphasised to the judge that Collings’ breath-alcohol reading was "low to moderate" and he was driving only a short distance.
It was the defendant’s first conviction, the court heard.
Mr Laws said the fact Collings lived in Waikouaiti meant the mandatory driving ban he faced would cause him significant hardship.
He was disqualified for six months and fined $600.
