Codie James Benjamin McNoe (38) appeared in the Invercargill District Court yesterday on his sixth drink-driving charge, one charge of aggravated refusal of a blood specimen, one of aggravated disqualified driving and one of driving contrary to a zero-alcohol licence.
Judge Michael Turner sentenced McNoe to 18 months’ imprisonment.
"He’s suddenly got the sense that he’s going to jail," Judge Michael Turner said.
The defendant told the judge his change of heart was because he was trying to turn his life around.
"I’m not worried about going to jail, bro," McNoe said from the dock.
"It’s good as gold, whatever you reckon man."
He admitted he had a serious alcohol issue and said he was sick of wasting the court’s time.
Judge Turner replied "you’re not wasting my time, this is my job. What you’re doing is putting people’s lives at risk".
Ms McHugh argued the man had not offended for a year and prison did not appear to deter him.
While the judge was delivering the sentence, the defendant interrupted and said "how long am I going to jail for, bro?".
Judge Turner told McNoe if he interrupted again, he would continue the sentencing in his absence.
Following this comment, the defendant headed for the cells.
The defendant’s first crimes came in Dunedin in January 2021, when he was driving while disqualified.
The court heard a witness saw him swerving within his lane.
The member of the public spoke to McNoe once he was out of his car, and believed he was under the influence.
Police arrived and the defendant ultimately refused to give a blood sample.
During July last year, in Lumsden, McNoe was driving on a zero-alcohol licence and was stopped by police.
Testing revealed a breath-alcohol level of 1041mcg — more than four times the legal limit.
McNoe was disqualified from driving for 28 days with alcohol interlock provisions following that.
