A working holiday visa-holder was unsuccessful in her attempt to be discharged without conviction for drink-driving.
Bengi Baytekin (32), of Auckland, admitted driving with a blood alcohol level of 121mg in Shotover St in Queenstown at 2.45am on December 18 last year, about a month after she arrived in New Zealand.
In the Queenstown District Court yesterday, community magistrate Sally O’Brien said Baytekin had been drinking in town and had gone home before realising she had left her credit card in a bar, and had driven back to retrieve it.
She came to police attention after she drove over a painted roundabout at speed.
Her lawyer Bryony Shackell said Baytekin had initially arrived in New Zealand on a temporary six-month visa, but that had since been extended and would expire next April.
Her client hoped to remain in the country long-term.
Should she be convicted, there was a possibility she would be deported, Ms Shackell said.
However, Ms O’Brien said evidence suggested reasons for deportation included, but were not limited to, "criminal offending".
"It’s important to note the reference is criminal offending, not criminal conviction.
"Therefore, the consequences for you arise not out of a conviction being entered, but out of the offending occurring in the first place."
Baytekin was convicted and disqualified from driving for seven months.
