The man who led police all over Napier in a bizarre slow-speed car "chase" last month has pleaded guilty to a raft of charges relating to the Monday night fiasco.
Jamie Lesley Jones, 30, appeared by audio visual link at Napier District Court yesterday before Judge Geoff Rea. He had been remanded in custody following an earlier court appearance where his application for bail was declined.
On March 7, residents were woken by police sirens which continued for more than an hour, as police signalled to Jones to pull over. He failed to do so and was followed by police cars and members of the public before the pursuit ended at about 12.30am. Crowds lined the streets in Taradale, Greenmeadows, Onekawa, Marewa and Maraenui. Amateur videos were taken and rubberneckers posted to Facebook about the "chase".
Yesterday the forest worker admitted unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop when followed by police with flashing lights and sirens and a charge of resisting police. He also pleaded guilty to reckless driving, procuring/possessing a cannabis plant and methamphetamine and having utensils used for methamphetamine. Four other charges relating to the theft of three boats and a burglary were withdrawn yesterday, without explanation.
Jones was remanded in custody until May 13 for sentencing.
