Kidnapping just like playing 'Grand Theft Auto'

A Rotorua man who kidnapped and robbed a terrified Auckland teenager told police it was like playing the PlayStation game Grand Theft Auto.

Cory Daniel Blue Gawith, 20, pleaded guilty in Rotorua District Court to aggravated robbery and kidnapping. The bushman also admitted burglary and theft.

Gawith and a young associate approached the 18-year-old at a money machine in Fenton St, Rotorua, last November 20. When their demands for cash were unsuccessful, they demanded his car keys and got into his vehicle. They also stole his cellphone and cash card.

Gawith drove and his associate, who had a tyre iron, got into the back seat with the teenager.

During a wild ride around the eastern Bay of Plenty, the car reached more than 140km/h, at one stage spinning into the wrong lane.

The teenager eventually surrendered his PIN number, which Gawith used to buy a packet of cigarettes.

They then drove to Kawerau, and the pair fled, taking the teenager's CDs and cellphone.

The victim, who was in an "extremely terrorised state", drove back to Rotorua and went to the police.

Police prosecutor Aroha Cooper said Gawith admitted what he had done, saying he was desperate for money.

"He said it was like playing a PlayStation game called Grand Theft Auto."

The game, which has an R18 rating, lets players sleep with and kill prostitutes, steal cars and fight gang wars.

Judge Phillip Cooper remanded Gawith in custody for sentencing on April 28.

- NZPA