A judge has chastised a speeding learner driver who ran from the police, describing his actions as "remarkably stupid".
Judge John Brandts-Giesen sentenced Christopher Ngarepo Te Haupai Ruri (30) after he pleaded not guilty to charges of driving in a dangerous manner, failing to stop when followed by police displaying red and blue flashing lights and resisting arrest.
The Invercargill man appeared by audio visual link at Invercargill District Court this week.
Police prosecutor Grant Gerken told the court Ruri held a learner driver’s licence.
About 12.25am on December 9, police attempted to stop Ruri’s vehicle in Gala St, but he accelerated heavily.
Ruri continued to travel at high speed along Chapman St and when he approached an intersection controlled by a give-way sign, did not brake or slow down.
"Due to the speed the defendant was travelling the vehicle momentarily became airborne as he crossed Lindisfarne St."
Police did not pursue the car due to the risk it posed to the public.
Ruri and his car were located at his home in Invercargill shortly after.
He was arrested, but while being led from the address, he ran off and jumped a fence — before being re-apprehended.
Ruri had been drinking but a subsequent breath test returned a result of
less than 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath.
The defendant said he did not stop because he had been drinking and feared he would go back to prison.
Judge Brandts-Giesen sentenced him to one month of imprisonment and suspended him from driving for 12 months.
He said it was quite clear Ruri’s actions were "remarkably stupid and dangerous and the charges [he faced] were justified".
