A motorcyclist allegedly clocked at 236kmh has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, and has been barred from being on the road until his case is decided.
Leandro Jesus Negro (27) appeared in the Alexandra District Court yesterday afternoon, where he asked Judge Dominic Flatley to suppress his name.
The defendant argued doing so would protect his fair trial rights, but the judge informed him if the matter did go to trial it would be before a judge alone, rather than a jury; publicity would not matter.
Otago Lakes-Central area road policing manager Senior Sergeant Glenn Wilkinson said the motorcyclist had been caught at ‘‘a remarkably stupid speed’’ on State Highway 8, near Northburn, when the offence allegedly took place last month.
He was allegedly wearing sneakers, cotton pants and no gloves when police pulled him over.
Snr Sgt Wilkinson said the rider explained he had borrowed the bike.
The defendant told the court he had lived in his van in Queenstown for the last year while on a three-year work visa.
Judge Flatley imposed a bail condition stopping Negro from driving and also ordered he surrender his passport to the court by the end of the day.
The defendant will be back before the court in April.
