League player’s appeal refused

Press, 21 December 1981, Page 25

League player’s appeal refused

PA Auckland A driver for a firm of funeral directors has failed in an appeal to the High Court at Auckland against a sentence of periodic detention for driving with an excess alcohol level. Mr Justice Vautier said the present "appalling” road toll made it impossible for the court to give weight to personal circumstances. Craig Leslie Brown, aged 31, of Point Chevalier, was disqualified from driving for 18 months and sentenced to five months periodic detention when he pleaded guilty to the charge in the District Court.

Mr Alan Roberts, for Brown, told the High Court the offence occurred while Brown was off duty in the early hours of August 30. His car w r as stopped by the police near the Town Hall. Although his job involved extensive driving and his father’s firm of undertakers had been forced to employ an extra driver since Brown’s conviction, the appeal was not aimed at the disqualification, Mr Roberts said.

Brown was a highly regarded rugby league player, tipped on occasions for the Auckland representative team, and his personal circumstances made periodic detention difficult.

Dismissing the appeal, his Honour said a high bloodalcohol level and dangerous driving were involved. Brown had shown little con-

sideration for others and a salutary penalty was required.