New Zealand Warriors fullback Kevin Locke has escaped a further disqualification for another driving conviction after a judge decided his rugby league career could be at risk.
Locke was sentenced to 80 hours community work and fined $1400 after admitting a charge of driving while disqualified.
He had been disqualified from driving for a year and fined $900 in January after two charges of driving while suspended.
Locke's lawyer Sudumu Thode said a disqualification would make it difficult for him to meet his obligations with the Warriors, would inconvenience his family and be detrimental to his mental health.
She said his career with the Warriors could be put at risk with a disqualification.
Police said a statement from Warriors management that they would not make excuses for him wasn't the same as saying his career was at risk.
But Judge Anna-Marie Skellern said there was a very real chance he could lose his contract.
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