Paerangi Kaka appeared in Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to driving in a manner dangerous, refusing a preliminary breath test, being drunk in a public place, and refusing to provide police with his licence, name and address on request.

The court heard police came across Kaka driving extremely slowly on Eaglehawk Road in the early hours of April 1.

He sped up, and when a police car moved to sit in the lane beside him, he was clocked driving at some 95 km/h in the 60 km/h zone.

Where Eaglehawk Road narrows from four lanes to two, Kaka was seen crossing the white line onto the wrong side of the road.

He continued to drive at speed, but eventually came to a stop on the same road.

When an officer opened the vehicle’s door, police observed a strong smell of alcohol.

An officer took the keys out of the ignition and Kaka – who police saw as unsteady – exited the vehicle.

Police requested to conduct a preliminary breath test, but Kaka refused to acknowledge the request.

He was taken to Bendigo police station, where police again asked for a breath test.

Kaka said he was happy to do so, but when the officer returned with the device and held it to Kaka, he refused.

Three days later, Kaka told police in an interview he had had a “few drinks” on the day in question and acknowledged he was the driver at the time.

When asked by Magistrate Megan Aumair to explain his behaviour, Kaka said it was stupid and dangerous.

He told the court he had issues with alcohol, and Ms Aumair said it was important he received help for this.

Kaka was convicted and put on a nine-month community corrections order.

His licence was cancelled and disqualified for two years, and he was ordered to pay a $200 fine.