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Bracewell sentenced for drink driving

Third offence in a decade for the talented Black Caps seamer

New Zealand allrounder Doug Bracewell has blamed the killing of a pet bird by dogs as the reason why he drove home intoxicated in March.

Bracewell was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and has been disqualified from driving by Judge Bridge Mackintosh at Hastings District Court on Thursday.

The 26-year-old was pulled over by police on his way home from a function after he received an emergency call from his girlfriend, in which she said the couple’s new cockatoo had been killed by dogs.

When tested by police, Bracewell had a breath alcohol level of 783 micrograms per litre of breath, more than three times the legal limit of 250mcg.

"I'm just looking forward to moving on ... and obviously not getting behind a wheel anytime soon after having a few drinks," Bracewell said outside court.

"It was an unfortunate situation, but that's no excuse driving a vehicle while having a few drinks.

"I'm disappointed in myself but at the same time I'm just wanting to move forward."

Bracewell escapes serious injury

It’s the third time in 10 years the 27-Test veteran has been caught drink driving following incidents in 2008 and 2010.

Alcohol was also involved in 2012 when he and teammate Jesse Ryder were involved in an altercation in a Napier bar.

New Zealand Cricket has reportedly decided not to further punish Bracewell.

"NZC notes Mr Bracewell suffered a serious leg injury in February and is unlikely to resume his competitive cricket career until next summer," local media reported.

"Under these circumstances, and considering the penalty imposed in the Hastings District Court today, NZC will be taking no further punitive action."