The man at the centre of high-speed police chase and an almost four-month-long manhunt is still unable to appear in court because of the injuries he received from a police dog.
Robert Paul Laxon (35) has been charged with failing to stop, reckless driving, theft of a motor vehicle and illegal use of a motor vehicle after the high-speed pursuit in which a stolen car smashed into a police car in Dunedin's West Harbour on Friday.
Laxon's latest charges come in addition to two of burglary, which date from April this year.
He failed to appear for court in May, sparking a hunt which ended last Friday when officers caught him with the use of a police dog.
Laxon was first due to appear in the Dunedin District Court on Saturday to face the new charges, but could not appear because of his injuries.
His lawyer, Sarah Saunderson-Warner, yesterday told Judge Kevin Phillips in the Dunedin District Court Laxon remained in Dunedin Hospital under the watch of Department of Corrections guards.
''He's had surgery in relation to dog bites and ... he's requiring further surgery for skin grafts,'' she said.
Laxon is remanded in custody by consent at present.
His partner, Kelly Emma Verburg (34), appeared in court yesterday on one count of being an accessory to burglary after the fact for helping Laxon elude police.
Verburg took Laxon into her home at various times between May 17 and July 25 when he was on the run from police, providing him with meals, transporting him around town and warning him police were looking for him, a summary of facts said.
''At about 11am on July 25, 2016, police located the defendant [Verburg] driving a Toyota Corolla on Argyle St, Mosgiel,'' the summary said.
''[Laxon] was in the front passenger seat.
''The attending patrol activated their vehicle's red and blue flashing lights in an attempt to stop the defendant's vehicle.
''The defendant slowed and veered left as if to pull over, but then pulled back into the centre of the lane, continuing approximately 150m further, turning on to Bush Rd before finally coming to a slow rolling stop.
''Before the defendant came to a complete stop, her partner exited the vehicle and ran into an adjacent property, avoiding arrest.''
Verburg was yesterday convicted.
A police spokeswoman confirmed Laxon's arrest was referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, as was procedure when injuries were suffered from a police dog.
The pair will both appear in court again on September 20.
