New Zealand doctor blames alcohol wash for drunk driving charge

Mar 14, 2008, 0:38 GMT

Wellington - A New Zealand surgeon is blaming an alcohol-based sterilising liquid that he used to wash his hands during operations for failing a roadside drunk-driving test, a newspaper reported on Friday.

Ian Denholm, of Masterton, north of Wellington, claims the sterilising rub he used frequently during a series of operations on July 6 was absorbed into his kidneys and caused him to record 593 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, well over the legal limit of 400 mcg.

Denholm, an orthopaedic surgeon, admitted drinking 'a couple of wines' before driving but says the moderate amount he drunk was not enough to put him over the limit, the Dominion Post reported.

He did not have to appear in the Masterton District Court when the case was called on Thursday and he is defending against a drunk driving charge.

Police, who are awaiting details of tests the defence have done, say the case is unprecedented and could have worldwide implications, the paper said.

It quoted police prosecutor Greg Peters as saying there was potential for dire consequences one way or the other.

'The question will be asked, are these doctors operating under the influence of alcohol?' he said. 'That's basically what this defence team is saying the tests have proved.'

It is not known when the case will return to court.