Mataika Naqaravatu, 33, orchard worker, fell asleep at the wheel after drinking at a friend’s house until the early hours of June 9.
He struck a road sign and transformer power box in McNulty Rd while on his way home about 8.30am, causing damage to both.
A breath test gave a result of 742mcg — nearly three times the legal limit — and he was charged with drink-driving and careless driving.
At Naqaravatu’s sentencing in the Alexandra District Court yesterday, counsel Kieran Tohill said Aurora Energy was seeking the "astounding" amount through civil action, despite the defendant’s limited financial means.
The defendant, a permanent resident of New Zealand, had considered applying for a discharge without conviction, Mr Tohill said.
He had been concerned his immigration status would be jeopardised by convictions, but inquiries had shown they were unlikely to trigger his deportation.
Community magistrate Sally O’Brien told Naqaravatu his breath-alcohol level was high, and he was fortunate to avoid injury.
"You clearly weren’t safe on the road."
She entered the convictions, imposed a fine of $700, court costs of $143, and disqualified him for seven months.
As for the $35,000 he owed the power company, he would have to pay it "one way or the other".
Also sentenced by Ms O’Brien yesterday were.—
■Sonya Margaret McLean, 49, of Alexandra, drink-driving (519mcg), Clyde-Alexandra Rd, October 5, fined $400, court costs $143, disqualified six months.
■Tiffany Elizabeth Blondell, 23, of Alexandra, drink-driving (513mcg), Pioneer Hwy, Brydone, September 1, fined $400, court costs $143, disqualified six months.
■Ethan Mark Pritchard, 21, butcher, of Alexandra, drink-driving (490mcg), Station St, September 29, fined $400, court costs $143, disqualified six months.
■Oceiana Chaniqua McHardy, 18, of Alexandra, under-20 drink-driving (250mcg), Gregg St, October 6, fined $350, disqualified three months.
