Deputy principal 'remorseful' | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

A school deputy principal and top women's rugby coach was "extremely remorseful" yesterday after being convicted for drink driving.

Brian Charles Hays, deputy principal at Rangiora High School - one of the biggest schools in the South Island - was caught drink-driving just before Christmas last year after drinking at a festive function with his wife.

Yesterday (Tues) the 60-year-old teacher and former assistant coach and selector of the Black Ferns rugby world cup-winning team pleaded guilty to a charge that on December 15 last year, he was caught in Apollo Place, in Papanui, with breath alcohol reading of 447 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The limit is 400 mgs.

Now, he has to face the music with education bosses who will consider taking disciplinary action.

Last night, Rangiora High School principal Peggy Burrows told The Star she knew about the "episode" and had spoken to Mr Hays about it.

She said: "I saw Brian on Monday and he indicated there had been an episode over Christmas. He apologised to me about it and explained it's the first time in his career he's ever done it. He's never been before the courts in his entire life. He is incredibly embarrassed by it.

"Teachers are good role models and he has huge respect in the school and in the education system.

"I'll be speaking with Brian and also the board chair over what we're required to do next. We'll follow protocols and it will be the board's decision whether they follow with disciplinary action."

According to the New Zealand Teachers Council website, a teacher should notify the body if he or she receives a conviction within seven days. The council will then consider each case.

His defence counsel Clayton Williams told the district court, sitting at Nga Hau e Wha marae in Christchurch yesterday, that his client was "extremely remorseful for his actions."

Mr Williams said: "He'd had a drink with his wife at a function before doing some Christmas shopping. He thought he was ok to drive, but obviously not.

"He is in full-time employment and is in a position to pay a fine."

Judge Farish told a shame-faced Hays in the dock, smartly dressed in blue blazer, garish green tie and navy trousers: "It just goes to show how easily you can be over the limit. You were only 47 mgs over, which was a very low reading."

She took into account his "very good driving record" and the fact he had never been before the courts before to disqualify him for the minimum period of six months, and fined him $250 plus court costs.

After his court appearance, the senior school teacher - whose charge sheet listed him as 'principal' - told The Star he didn't want his conviction to be "blown out of proportion."

The former Canterbury women's rugby coach said: "It was just a small incident. I have to put it behind me and learn from my lesson.

"It was the first time I've been in court in my life - it wasn't a very pleasant experience.

"I have spoken to my principal and that is all in hand. I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to jeopardise what may happen in the future."