Two jet-boat drivers on Monday,before Judge Michael Turner in the Queenstown District Court, admitted charges laid under the Maritime Transport Act 1994, relating to an incident on the Dart River in January.
Simon Thomas Collins (26), of Cromwell, and Shayle Andrew Thompson (39), of Queenstown, were jointly charged with operating two jet-boats in a manner which caused unnecessary danger or risk to the occupants of the boats or to the boats, on the Dart River on January 4.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 months' imprisonment.
Defence counsel Dale Lloyd, representing Thompson, said the matter had been hanging over the defendants' heads for seven months.
They had entered their guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity and were eager to have the matter dealt with.
Both men had admitted the charges on the basis a draft summary of facts was still being negotiated.
Judge Turner remanded both men at large to appear in the Queenstown District Court on August 26 for sentencing, and ordered that the agreed summary should be filed by 4pm on August 19.
Drink-driving cases heard before Judge Turner on Monday were. -
• Eleanor Amy Brinsley (20), of Arthurs Point, 632mcg, Gorge Rd, July 20, convicted and remanded on bail to September 23 for sentence. Pre-sentence report ordered into the possibility of electronically monitored sentence.
• Ella Frances Dickson (23), of Wanaka, 808mcg, Ardmore St, Wanaka, July 13, 50 hours' community work, disqualified six months.
• Kimberley Michelle Vigil (24), of the US, 521mcg, Stanley St, August 9, fined $500, court costs $130, disqualified six months. Fines to be paid before Vigil leaves New Zealand.
• Amber Leigh Owens (31), restaurant worker, of Wanaka, 812mcg, Wanaka-Luggate Highway, August 1, fined $800, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
