Man admits killing police officer with car

Sergeant Derek Wootton. Photo / Supplied

A man today pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Porirua policeman Derek Wootton.

A murder charge against Andrew Popo, 33, was dropped in the High Court at Wellington today.

Popo also admitted driving a stolen car while disqualified when he hit Sergeant Wootton, 52, as he was laying road spikes to stop the car in Titahi Bay, Porirua on July 11 last year. He further admitting injuring the car's owner earlier the same night.

A charge of kidnapping the teenager who was in the car when it struck and killed Mr Wootton in Dimock St, remains unresolved.

Justice Alan MacKenzie remanded Popo to appear in court again on April 20 for a sentencing date to be set.

A depositions hearing in Porirua District Court last year was told Mr Wootton was hit so hard by the stolen and speeding car his stab proof vest was stripped off him as he flew nearly 30m.

He died instantly from massive head and chest injuries.

Popo was arrested a short time later after the car stopped on a nearby lawn of a property with tyres deflated from the road spikes.

- NZPA