A Dunedin pensioner has been sent to jail for his 11th drink-driving conviction in 48 years — and blames police for "ruining his life".
Peter Anthony Keenan (67) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday "prepared to go to jail", counsel Deborah Henderson said.
After having his licence revoked permanently on medical grounds last year, the man’s drink-driving habit "just carried on and on and on", Judge Kevin Phillips said.
At 9.30pm on November 26, Keenan was driving an associate’s vehicle in Mosgiel St, in Mornington, when he was pulled over by police.
A roadside test revealed a breath alcohol level of 700mcg and police noted the man was an unlicensed driver. He told police he was only driving a short distance and they had "ruined his life" by stopping him.
Ms Henderson said he had given up drinking many times, only to continually relapse.
"Perhaps there is more help he can have in terms of figuring out how to not restart drinking," she said.
"You are a liability to the whole community," Judge Phillips said.
"You do the talking but you don’t do the hard yards."
The judge called the man an alcoholic and reprimanded him for knowingly taking the risk of driving under the influence.
Despite Ms Henderson arguing for a period of home detention, Keenan was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for six months, after which he would be subject to alcohol-interlock provisions.
