An Alexandra shearer on a drink-driving charge who was given a court order not to drive was picked up by police driving less than two hours later.
But at least he was honest in admitting he had lied about not intending to drive, Judge Michael Turner said.
Timothy Glen Lee Clarke (54), had appeared before Judge Turner in the Alexandra District Court on Thursday and was ordered by the court not to drive when his case was remanded for eight weeks.
Judge Turner was bemused when Clarke reappeared before him at the end of the court day after Clarke had been stopped by police driving near Ranfurly.
"I asked you not to drive and you said you wouldn’t. Were you lying to me?" Judge Turner said.
First the man shook his head, then he nodded.
"Is that a yes?" Judge Turner said.
Yes, Clarke admitted, he had lied to the judge. He had needed to get to Oamaru and had not organised a ride and had made the poor decision to drive, he said.
Judge Turner said he did not want to remand Clarke in custody for eight weeks and asked the man what he suggested.
Counsel for Clarke, Justine Baird, said Clarke experienced a "brain explosion" when making the poor decision to drive.
Judge Turner granted the man bail again and his employer agreed to lock the car up and keep it away from Clarke until he had his licence again.
"You were honest with me when you said you lied to me, and I give you credit for that," Judge Turner told Clarke.
