“I’m disappointed in myself but at the same time I’m just wanting to move forward”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand pace bowler Doug Bracewell has revealed that the death of his pet cockatoo is the reason why he was charged for driving while intoxicated.

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

Bracewell was pulled over in Haumoana on March 18 while driving home from a function he had attended. Upon being tested by police, the 26-year-old was found to have an alcohol reading of 783 micrograms, which is three times the legal limit of 250 micrograms.

However, Bracewell revealed that he had only driven home while under the influence of alcohol after receiving a phone call from his girlfriend, who told him that their pet cockatoo had been killed by dogs.

“The cockatoo was of some significance to his partner and she was quite distraught,” Bracewell’s lawyer, Ron Mansfield, said.

Bracewell added: “I’m just looking forward to moving on … and obviously not getting behind a wheel anytime soon after having a few drinks.

“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.”

Despite it being the third time in 10 years that Bracewell has been caught drink driving, with the other two offences coming in 2008 and 2010, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have reportedly opted not to take any action against the Tauranga native.

“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.”