Fiji-born All Blacks winger, Sevuloni Reece, avoided a criminal conviction after crashing someone’s car into a garage while drunk. The incident happened after he was asked to leave the property.
Reece appeared in the Christchurch District Court, where Judge Katie Elkin ordered him to pay over $2,000 for the damage and emotional harm caused. The 27-year-old’s name suppression was lifted during the sentencing.
Reports state that Reece had been asked to leave the home for being “disrespectful” to other guests. Before leaving, he got into the victim’s Subaru Legacy, which was parked in the driveway. Reece told police the car was already running when he got in. He accidentally sped up the driveway, crashing into the garage and causing significant damage to both the garage and the car. After the crash, he left the scene on foot.
Outside the court, Reece expressed regret and apologized to the victim. He shared that the experience taught him valuable lessons, and he has been working on self-improvement. He revealed he hasn’t had any alcohol in over a year, which has helped him think more clearly.
Reece said he chose not to keep his name suppressed because he believes his story could teach others. He felt it was important to take responsibility and show accountability, especially as a public figure.
He admitted to feeling like he had let his fans down but promised to make things right through his future actions.
Judge Elkin acknowledged that Reece had broken the trust of the people who invited him into their home. However, she noted that he had no prior convictions, showed genuine remorse, and was unlikely to repeat such behavior. She also mentioned that Reece had already donated to charities like KidsCan and Ronald McDonald House. She classified the incident as minor compared to more serious offenses.
Reece hopes to use this experience as a stepping stone toward becoming a better role model.
[Source: Stuff.co]
