A drunk Cromwell teenager drove up roads between Queenstown and Wanaka one night at speeds of more than 180kmh and sparked a police chase which only ended when the fleeing vehicle's engine blew up.
Bradley James O'Connor (18) yesterday in the Queenstown District Court admitted three charges of reckless driving on Frankton Rd, State Highway 6 and Cardrona Valley, in addition to three charges of failing to stop for a police car operating flashing blue and red lights and siren, plus one charge of driving with a breath-alcohol level of 707mcg.
O'Connor drove a car which belonged to victim Logan Middlemass, with two other passengers inside, from a house party in Cromwell on December 17 about 2am, Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin told the court yesterday.
The defendant drove from Cromwell to Queenstown through the Kawarau Gorge where he saw a police patrol performing a breath check on a motorist. O'Connor drove slowly past the police car and stopped 10m away.
"The vehicle then did a burnout and sped off towards Queenstown," Sgt Collin said.
"The defendant's actions left rubber marks on the roadway later measured by police and found to be 41m in length."
Judge John Clapham heard O'Connor drove to Queenstown with a police car operating its lights and sirens and caught up to the defendant's car on Stanley St in the resort.
O'Connor did not stop and a police pursuit began.
The defendant drove on to the roundabout at the Shotover St intersection, crossing on to the wrong side of the road to avoid going around the roundabout.
O'Connor continued to exceed posted speed limits and cut corners to enable him to flee without reducing speed, Sgt Collin said.
The defendant sped from Queenstown via Arthur's Point at up to 180kmh, only slowing as he approached corners.
The defendant raced through the stop sign at the Malaghan's Rd and Lake Hayes Rd, near Arrowtown, at a speed of 50-70kmh. He continued along McDonnell Rd slowing to 50-70kmh as he entered SH6, causing him to lose control of the car and slide sideways.
The defendant then drove on the wrong side of the road for about 80m.
The driver increased speed while fleeing from the pursing police car before he drove up Crown Tce. The defendant lost traction on tight corners and drove on the wrong side of the road as he cornered, nearly hitting banks at the side.
Sgt Collin said O'Connor drove at speed towards Wanaka where a police patrol had been called to intercept. The unit attempted to block Cardrona Valley Rd by closing the snow barrier and was seeking consent to deploy road spikes when the defendant drove past at speed, nearly hitting the police car.
Police pursued and O'Connor again failed to stop and drove at more than 130kmh through 70kmh-zoned Cardrona Village.
The judge heard the defendant fishtailed across the road and cut blind corners as he drove along Cardrona Valley Rd to Wanaka and increased speed to "well in excess of" 160kmh. He entered the resort, slowing as he turned into the 80kmh-zoned Riverbank Rd.
Police did not try to stop the car again however, O'Connor sped at 182kmh along Riverbank Rd as he pulled away from police.
The defendant slowed as he entered the Ballantyne Rd junction where he failed to stop for a stop sign and took the blind corner on the wrong side and accelerated along the road, a limited 80kmh dirt road due to repairs.
Sgt Collin said O'Connor spotted a third police car from Cromwell operating flashing lights and parked near Wanaka Airport about 4.40am. The defendant was pursued by police down Luggate Hill at speeds of between 140kmh and 150kmh.
"The defendant drove so fast that the engine started to smoke and slow down. Police were then able to pass the defendant's vehicle and force him to slow down and come to a stop."
O'Connor was breath-tested and charged with driving with a breath-alcohol level of 707mcg.
"In explanation, the defendant stated he fully admitted the offences as outlined," Sgt Colin said.
Reparation of $1200 was sought for the damage caused to the victim's car engine by driving at high speed and for damage on the vehicle's driver's side which occurred during the pursuit.
Judge Clapham speculated on a sentence of "three to five months' imprisonment".
Defence counsel Phena Byrne said she recommended community work as O'Connor was 18 years of age and he was able to pay the reparation.
The judge remanded O'Connor on bail to appear for sentencing in the Queenstown District Court on March 26.
