A former political figure spat on a bar worker then led police on a foot race through central Dunedin.
The defendant, who has had name suppression since he was charged, appeared before the Dunedin District Court this afternoon where he pleaded guilty to counts of resisting police and disorderly behaviour.
A charge of assault was withdrawn by the prosecution.
Court documents revealed the defendant was at a central Dunedin bar late on November 27 when he yelled at other patrons over comments he found offensive.
He was ushered out of the premises by a duty manager but the errant conduct continued.
The defendant threw one drink into the face of an off-duty employee, smashed another glass on the ground, then spat at the manager.
The saliva landed on her leg, a prosecution summary noted.
Police caught up with the defendant as he walked towards the Octagon.
Despite being told repeatedly he was under arrest, the man denied that was the case and bolted.
He was eventually caught and arrested in Moray Place.
At the request of counsel Sarah Saunderson-Warner, Judge Maria Pecotic did not enter convictions on either charge.
The court heard there would likely be an application for a discharge without conviction at sentencing in July.
Ms Saunderson-Warner also indicated her client would be pursuing permanent name suppression, and a continuation of the interim order was allowed by the judge.
Suppression was not opposed by police.
A family member wrote online at the time that the alleged fracas had been sparked by political comments on the night in question.
The defendant was remanded on bail on condition he not enter the bar in question.
Both charges admitted by the defendant carry a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment or a fine of $2000.
A previous bail condition, banning the man from being within 100m of Carousel Lounge Bar, was replaced with a condition prohibiting him from entering Albar in Central Dunedin.
