November 19, 2025
Rhyn Tutanekai Horton Wallace, 18, pleaded guilty to drink driving over the criminal adult limit, despite not being old enough to drive with any alcohol in his system.
“I am going to submit, in spite of the aggravating features, he’s 18 years old, and he’s made this really foolish decision here, which he really regrets,” lawyer Gretchen Hart said.
She said Wallace was trying to deescalate a hostile situation.
“They went back to his friend’s house, and he did have some drinks there.”
An argument began with the friend’s neighbour and “probably due to a lack of maturity in this situation,” Wallace got his mates in the car and left.
“They were in a bit of a panic.”
Police tailed the car and put their lights on, though Wallace did not immediately notice this and pull over.
He blew a breath alcohol reading of 740 micrograms, which was well above the adult criminal level of 400.
“He’s got no demerit points on his history at all, so he appears to be an otherwise responsible driver,” Hart said.
The disqualification has changed his life already, she said.
“He’s actually having to relocate and move so he can be closer to his work.”
O’Brien said he had made a “stupid decision’’.
“I do accept that as a young man, so far you’re done well; This is going to be significant for you, having a criminal conviction.”
Wallace was convicted, disqualified from driving for six months, ordered to pay a $700 fine and court costs.
by Anisha Satya
Rhyn Tutanekai Horton Wallace, 18, pleaded guilty to drink driving over the criminal adult limit, despite not being old enough to drive with any alcohol in his system.
“I am going to submit, in spite of the aggravating features, he’s 18 years old, and he’s made this really foolish decision here, which he really regrets,” lawyer Gretchen Hart said.
She said Wallace was trying to deescalate a hostile situation.
“They went back to his friend’s house, and he did have some drinks there.”
An argument began with the friend’s neighbour and “probably due to a lack of maturity in this situation,” Wallace got his mates in the car and left.
“They were in a bit of a panic.”
Police tailed the car and put their lights on, though Wallace did not immediately notice this and pull over.
He blew a breath alcohol reading of 740 micrograms, which was well above the adult criminal level of 400.
“He’s got no demerit points on his history at all, so he appears to be an otherwise responsible driver,” Hart said.
The disqualification has changed his life already, she said.
“He’s actually having to relocate and move so he can be closer to his work.”
O’Brien said he had made a “stupid decision’’.
“I do accept that as a young man, so far you’re done well; This is going to be significant for you, having a criminal conviction.”
Wallace was convicted, disqualified from driving for six months, ordered to pay a $700 fine and court costs.
by Anisha Satya
