Emberton, who was working as a contractor in Heriot, had a valid UK driver’s license. On the night of November 23, after a drinking session at a bar in Tapanui, he made the ill-advised choice to drive himself home when he missed the last shuttle.
In the early hours of the morning, while driving on Ardmore Rd near Heriot, he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a power pole before ending up in a nearby paddock. Despite the mishap, he stayed at the scene and contacted his supervisor. When the police arrived, he tested at 494mcg on a breathalyzer.
Emberton, who arrived in New Zealand from Wales in December, voluntarily decided to return home following the incident. He took responsibility for the damage caused to the power pole and had already made arrangements with the power company for payment.
His lawyer, Tanya McCullum, acknowledged that Emberton had made a poor decision that led to the premature end of his working holiday. Judge Russell Walker noted that while the defendant was fortunate that the consequences were not more severe, he still had to face the legal repercussions. Emberton was fined $500 plus court costs and had his driving privileges suspended for six months.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of making responsible choices, especially when it comes to drinking and driving.
