Driver with unrestrained baby charged

File photo / Martin Sykes

A driver who had an unrestrained baby in his car when he crashed into a police patrol car in Hamilton yesterday has been charged with a number of offences.

Hamilton police said the constable suffered lacerations to his head in the crash while an 18-month-old baby girl, travelling unrestrained in the front of the offender's Ford Falcon car, was taken to Waikato Hospital for a check-up.

The girl was later placed in the care of relatives.

Police were unaware of the child being in the car until members of the public at the crash scene removed the baby from the car while the injured officer was struggling with the driver.

A 38-year-old Hamilton man will face charges of failing to remain stopped, driving while suspended, reckless driving and possession of cannabis in the Hamilton District Court today.

The injured police officer was not admitted to hospital and returned home overnight.

He received messages of support from the Waikato district commander and the police commissioner and is expected to return to work next week.

- NZ HERALD STAFF