Damage spree driver turns himself in

HOONING: Extensive tyre marks have been left on part of the Russell Park grounds by a driver in Waipukurau.

A Waipukurau man turned himself into police last week after going on a drink-driving spree around the town, carving up the grounds at Russell Park and trashing the backyard of the Waipukurau police station.

Waipukurau Police Sergeant Neil Baker said police were called at 2.20am on Thursday last week by members of the public, about a car that was hooning around Waipukurau.

The driver had come into town and as well as doing wheelies on Russell Park, had left skid marks on the road outside the police station, and along Russell St and Railway Esplanade, Mr Baker said.

When the police arrived, the 27-year-old man was already at the police station waiting for them in the backyard.

"While the man waited for police to arrive, he threw his car keys through a station window, causing it to break.

"He also tipped over a rubbish bin and ripped plants out of the station garden."

Mr Baker said when they talked to the man, he did not really have a reason for his behaviour "but he was a bit angry".

When they breath-tested him he was found to be about 1 times over the legal driving limit.

He now faces charges of driving with excess breath alcohol, careless driving, driving with sustained loss of traction and wilful damage to the police station.

The police would also be seeking compensation for the damage caused at the police station and Russell Park.

The man is due to appear in the Waipukurau District Court on October 19.

A 43-year-old Taumarunui man crashed his vehicle through the front doors of Taumarunui police station in the early hours of Thursday after a similar drunken spree.

Police were responding to reports of the man driving at speed up and down the town's main street just before he drove through the entrance, causing an estimated $10,000-$20,000 worth of damage.

The man ran off but was apprehended a short time later and charged with excess breath alcohol and wilful damage.

Police said attacks on New Zealand police stations were rare.