A Californian man who skipped the country after being involved in an accident in Queenstown’s Frankton Rd no longer has New Zealand lawyers acting for him, and has changed his mind about participating in restorative justice.
The man’s application for continued name suppression was declined by Judge Geoff Rea in the Queenstown District Court on April 27, but at that stage it was indicated he would appeal that decision, meaning the interim order is still in force.
He has been charged with dangerous driving causing injury to Sara Duan on January 27, but was not arrested at the scene.
Instead, he flew to Auckland and soon after returned to his home country, before police could serve him with a summons.
At a hearing on April 24, the man was represented by Ben Alexander, acting on instructions, of Todd & Walker Law and was remanded at large to June 6. At that stage, he had shown a willingness to engage in the court process and restorative justice.
In court yesterday, however, prosecuting sergeant Ian Collin said the Invercargill-based restorative justice team contacted police late last week indicating the defendant had since had a "change of mind" and did not wish to participate in the process.
A memorandum from his counsel had also been received, in which they withdrew from acting on his behalf.
Sgt Collin said the defendant remained in the United States. He believed the man had "no intention to return to New Zealand to have this matter dealt with in person".
On that basis, police sought a warrant for his arrest, in lieu of a summons.
However, Judge Catriona Doyle declined to issue the warrant yesterday because the man was not aware of that hearing or police’s application.
Given he knew the matter would next be called on June 6, it was possible he might engage new counsel and re-engage with restorative justice in the interim, she said.
"He needs to be put on notice that’s where the police are going with this."
Other convictions
— Louie Lanz (38), breaching alcohol interlock licence, Frankton Rd, Queenstown, November 19, alcohol interlock provisions, fined $500, court costs $130.
— Ethan James Haigh (27), carpenter, of Lower Shotover, drink-driving, 452mcg, Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway, Queenstown, April 27, fined $500, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
— Maxime Michel Prigent (22), of France, drink-driving, 824mcg, Memorial St, Queenstown, April 21, fined $800, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
— Adrian James van der Voorn (38), gib stopper, of Lower Shotover, drink-driving, 97mg, Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway, Queenstown, April 27, fined $600, court costs $130, analyst fees $111.99, disqualified six months.
— Court reporter
