Drink driver finally jailed

A Northland recidivist drink driver who "did a runner" before the matter was dealt with by the courts has finally been convicted.

Mahanga Kaka, 42, had pleaded guilty to his seventh and eighth drink driving charges that took place in 2004 and 2010 while he was suspended from driving. At his recent sentencing in Whangarei District Court Judge Greg Davis said because of his speed, Kaka drove past a police checkpoint in Dargaville on September 23, 2004 and when later stopped, blew more than twice the legal limit of 400 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.

Kaka has had a significant history for drink driving, the judge said. On November 24, 2010, Kaka blew 779mcg after he was stopped on Otaika Rd, Whangarei, and in February 1994, blew 623mcg - followed by 573mcg in January 1995.

In August 1998, his blood alcohol was 662mcg. In 2000, Kaka was convicted three times with 637mcg, 514mcg and 824mcg readings. He got 18 months jail.