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Former music judge Paul Ellis sentenced for fifth drink-driving offence

NZ HeraldStuffFriday 24 October 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated

In this story Nelson Mail, Bill Hastings

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

Paul Ellis has been sentenced to four months of home detention after being caught driving at nearly seven times the legal alcohol limit. The 62-year-old, a former NZ Idol judge, also received an indefinite driving disqualification in the Nelson District Court.

How they headlined it

First reported by NZ Herald, Fri 24 Oct 2025, 4:00pm · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 6 minutes
  1. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Former NZ Idol music judge Paul Ellis given home detention for high alcohol reading (opens in new tab)

  2. StuffStuff

    ‘Worst course of action’: Judge on Paul Ellis’ fifth drink-driving offence (opens in new tab)