A man known as New Zealand's worst recidivist drunk driver has again appeared before the courts, this time for assaulting his former partner after drinking.
Gavin Hawthorn has killed four people in drunken crashes. He's racked up a dozen offences related to driving under the influence, and nine previous assault convictions, including family violence.
Yesterday he was sentenced to 12 months prison for bashing his partner but was almost immediately released from Rimutaka Prison under strict conditions.
Ben Strang has more.
