A Dunedin man managed to evade four police officers, a police dog and two well-meaning citizens after drunkenly crashing his car into a set of traffic lights, a court has heard.
Joshua Paul Taylor (39) was driving home early on July 17 last year with a blood alcohol level of 101mg, the Dunedin District Court heard on Thursday.
Losing control of his vehicle, Taylor crashed into a set of traffic lights in Kaikorai Valley Rd, taking out both poles before continuing home.
She was forced to take evasive action and decided to follow Taylor’s car while her husband called police.
The defendant came to a halt in the median strip a short distance later where the pair took the defendant’s keys, angering Taylor.
He pushed his body up against the woman, demanding them back.
"Give me my keys back or I’ll hit you or smash your car."
Reluctantly, the pair handed them over.
After making it home, Taylor was pursued by a police dog unit and was found a short distance away from his damaged vehicle.
The defendant was non-compliant and challenged police.
"Let’s go then, all of you ... and the dog, too."
After evading the arresting officer, a police dog was released.
Taylor took hold of the dog as it was unable to subdue him, forcing the remaining four police officers to take him to the ground as a struggle ensued.
He managed to kick one of the officers in the leg three times and backup was required to finally place him under arrest.
"This is pretty appalling behaviour on your part Mr Taylor," Judge Dominic Flatley said.
"You could have had a much more serious accident. You could have killed somebody."
The defendant said he had no memory of the incident and had written a letter of apology, showing "true remorse", counsel Andrew Dawson said.
"His actions after the crash are out of character for him and that is the part he has found hard to come to grips with."
He was sentenced to four months’ community detention and 12 months’ supervision.
He was disqualified from driving for eight months and ordered to pay $13,208 reparation.
