Killer driver causing chaos on roads

• Published date: 25 May 2023
• Publication title: Southland Express

Joseph Francis Haenga (46) appeared in the Invercargill District Court last week on charges of drink-driving and dangerous driving from February this year

In 2014, the defendant hit endurance athlete Brynt McSwain on a road in Perth, Western Australia, before crashing into a power pole.

McSwain had been cycling home from his work as a firefighter and died as a result of the collision.

ABC News reported Haenga claimed he may have fallen asleep at the wheel because he had done a series of night shifts, but he refused to undergo a breath test in the aftermath.

This time, Haenga’s breath alcohol level was more than four times the drink-driving limit.

The defendant was working in Wellington on February 23 when he had drinks with friends.

He then drove on State Highway 2 in a manner so concerning that members of the public reported it to police.

The defendant was weaving across lanes and almost hitting barriers on the sides of the road, the court heard.

Later in the night he exited Western Hutt Rd over Melling Bridge to Central Lower Hutt — an area dense with houses and businesses.

The court heard he was speeding and swerving...