High-speed ride in burning car

A 21-year-old Nelson student set fire to his car then drove it at 140km/h before crashing it and starting a scrub fire on the Spooner Range, the Nelson District Court has been told.

In court this week, Nghiep Thach admitted one charge of reckless use of a motor vehicle.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graeme Eden told the court Thach was travelling north on State Highway 6 on April 9 when he stopped at the side of the road and poured petrol from a plastic container over the back of his car.

"With the rear of the vehicle on fire, the defendant drove back out on to State Highway 6 and continued to drive north towards the Spooner Range."

Mr Eden said Thach travelled about 1.8km at up to 140km/h and drove off the side of the road.

He said the car became airborne and hit a pine tree before coming to a rest about 30m down a bank.

As the car left the road it started a small scrub fire that was later put out by the Wakefield Fire Brigade, Mr Eden said.

Thach was convicted and will be sentenced on July 25.

- NZPA