01-08-2025
Drink-driver accused of drinking prior to sentencing
A Southland man who drove his family home while twice over the legal limit was accused of having alcohol on his breath during sentencing, a court has heard.
Norman Fredrick Broughton, 50, was in Gore District Court this week for a drink-driving charge when police prosecutor Sergeant Penny Stratford said she thought he had been drinking.
"Some alcohol intake today," she said.
The prosecutor explained she had asked around the court and no-one had recently used any hand sanitiser.
Broughton denied the allegation.
He had pleaded guilty to drink-driving, however, after the Balfour Rugby Club 125th jubilee celebrations on June 21 in rural Northern Southland.
The court heard that about 8.10pm he was pulled over on the Lumsden Riversdale Highway with his wife and two young sons in the car.
He gave a breath-alcohol reading of 1075mcg, which was more than twice the legal limit and told police "you caught me", the summary said.
In court, Judge James Johnston said in relation to the offending: "something's gone terribly wrong here".
In explanation the defendant said it was just a "poor choice" on the night to drive the seven minutes to his home in a neighbouring town.
He told the judge he had not been drinking before court and his wife was present to drive him home.
The judge said the man had provided two character references, one from the club and one from a farming business.
The rugby club celebrated its 125-year milestone that Saturday in June with games of all ages at the Balfour Showgrounds before moving to Balfour Hall in the evening.
Former All-Black Ken Stewart spoke at the hall and Sir Wayne "Buck" Shelford gave out prizes.
The Otago Daily Times understands there was a courtesy coach available at the hall.
Broughton was fined $1000 and disqualified for a mandatory 28 days before he could apply for an alcohol-interlock licence.
