Drunk fell off his bike

A drunk motorcyclist who was four times over the legal alcohol limit fell off his bike moments after his helmet toppled from his head, a court has heard.

On September 27, Gill Lawrence Nathan was riding the motorcycle on Crownhill St, New Plymouth about 9pm, the New Plymouth District Court was told. ‘‘As he approached the intersection with Nga¯ motu Rd his helmet strap was not done up and his helmet fell off,’’ the summary of facts stated.

Riding at a low speed, the

55-year-old came off the bike when he attempted to look backwards to see where the helmet went. After falling off he landed on the opposite side of the street.

‘‘In explanation the defendant stated he had quite a few beers and was going home on his partner’s motorbike.’’

Police attended and breath tested Nathan, who blew 1027 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal driving limit is

250mcgs. Prior to his most recent arrest, Nathan had been convicted five times for drink-driving.

The defendant previously pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge. As he had more than three previous convictions, the maximum penalty for the offending was two years’ jail or a $6000 fine.

During his sentencing on Thursday, lawyer Turitea Bolstad asked for the court to impose the probation service’s recommendation of home detention.

She said Nathan had a full time job, which supported his partner and paid the couple’s mortgage. If he was jailed, Nathan’s loss of income would impact on her greatly, she said.

Bolstad said Nathan had insight into his offending and had started alcohol counselling. He was also highly regarded by his employer.

Taking into account Nathan’s guilty plea, Judge Chris Sygrove calculated a jail term of 15 months, which he transferred into seven and half months’ home detention.

The defendant was disqualified from driving for one year and one day. - Deena Coster