Man accused of trying to force woman off road

An unemployed 22-year-old faces a raft of charges after allegedly trying to force a woman off the road a number of times near Blenheim on Friday night.

Constable Michelle Stagg said the man verbally abused a group of Vanuatuans in the town at 7.30pm before speeding off in his car and allegedly trying to pass another car on the inside several times on Old Renwick Rd.

He then did a u-turn and headed straight back to the victim, whom he followed and then tried to force off the road again, Ms Stagg said.

The woman stopped and locked herself in the car. The man then approached the car and began hitting the front passenger window with his elbow.

The woman then drove off, with the man following again. He overtook her for the last time and carried on.

Police stopped him, but not before he had passed another car on the inside at about 100km/h, Ms Stagg said.

When arrested he was found in possession of cannabis and utensils and he refused to undergo drink-drive testing.

He was charged with dangerous driving, driving while suspending, threatening behaviour, refusing to provide a blood sample, possession of cannabis and utensils, and disorderly behaviour.

- NZPA