M.P. loses licence

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 2

M.P. loses licence

PA Wellington The Labour member of Parliament for Western Hutt, John James Terris, was fined $2OO and disqualified from driving for six months when he appeared in the District Court at Wellington yesterday on a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol.

A further charge, that he failed to drive within a marked lane, was withdrawn.

Terris, aged 46, pleaded guilty. Traffic Sergeant David Lane, prosecuting, said Terris was stopped after being seen in Wellington, at 3.23 a.m. on October 27, driving partly in two lanes. Terris told the officer he was not paying much attention. He admitted drinking alcohol, which could be smelt on his breath. A test showed he had 700 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath — the legal limit is 500 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.

Terris said he had had three or four gins and tonic after returning to work late. There was no traffic about on the way home and there was no danger to anyone. Terris had been pleasant and co-operative. In explanation yesterday, Terris apologised to the officers concerned. He said he had never been convicted for traffic offences except for, a minor speeding infringement.

Judge Inglis said sometimes the tests were not accurate, depending on when the last drink was had.

Terris told the Court he had the drinks a short time before driving. Terris was not represented by a lawyer in court.