Accused tries to sack own lawyer in court

Donny Falakoa. Photo / NZ Herald

A man accused of shooting at Tauranga police after a chase tried to sack his lawyer to do his own "research" during a colourful hearing today.

Donny Falakoa, 32, faces a slew of charges stemming from the July 30 incident and appeared in Manukau District Court via audio-visual link today because his lawyer thought the case could be "resolved".

But Falakoa said he would fight the charges and would do so without his counsel Tony Rickard-Sims.

After sticking the Independent Tribes and the Tino Rangatiratanga flags on the wall behind him, Falakoa told Judge Lawrence Hinton he would go it alone with the help of the library at Mt Eden Corrections Facility.

"I fire you," he announced, pointing at his lawyer.

Judge Hinton was unimpressed with Falakoa's behaviour throughout the hearing as he interrupted frequently and at times performed wiri (trembling hands associated with kapa haka).

But the judge said he could not deny the defendant's right to defend himself and allowed him two weeks to do some legal homework before he would be back before the court to plead.

Though Falakoa wanted to rid himself of Mr Rickard-Sims, the lawyer would continue as legal counsel.

Charges against Falakoa include aggravated robbery, using a firearm against law enforcement officers, and dangerous driving.

They relate to a prolonged police pursuit which started on State Highway 2 near Katikati more than two months ago.

Police alleged the vehicle was found a short time later in Whakaramara, but as officers approached it Falakoa drove off at speed towards Tauranga before losing control near Baypark roundabout.

He allegedly fired shots at three police officers as they left their vehicles, and the defendant is also accused of attempting to take vehicles from members of the public at gunpoint.