Accused kidnapper proclaims innocence

A man accused of kidnapping three people at gunpoint and leading police on a 45-minute chase last June is appearing in the Auckland District Court.

A depositions hearing began this morning for Leonard Hall, 34, of Glendene who faces numerous charges. He has entered no plea yet, but arrived at court today wearing a black t-shirt bearing the words "Whatever it is, I didn't do it".

Crown prosecutor Kane Patena told the court that on the morning of June 5 Hall had been driving around central Auckland trying to get the attention of police.

At the intersection of Gt North Rd and Ponsonby Rd he stopped for a red light, and a marked police car pulled up behind him.

Mr Patena said Hall then drove through the red light, and led the police on a chase that reached speeds of more than 100km/h before police backed off.

Hall then drove to St Lukes shopping centre where, Mr Patena said, he tried unsuccessfully to hijack vehicles.

When police arrived, Hall allegedly walked towards their car and fired two shots from a rifle, one of which hit the car. The officers were not injured.

Mr Patena said Hall then hijacked a car with three occupants and forced the elderly driver to head on to the Northwestern Motorway.

Hall allegedly leaned out the car window and fired a shot at pursuing police who fired back before they managed to force the car off the road and arrest him.

The hearing continues.