Man admits to dangerous driving, shoplifting

A man who admitted a raft of offending around the North Island, including stealing a car and leading police on a dangerous, high speed pursuit appeared in Masterton District Court last week.

Damien Charles Tout, 24, pleaded guilty to four shoplifting charges, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while suspended, failing to stop when followed by red/blue lights and driving with excess blood alcohol.

Prosecuting sergeant Garry Wilson told the court how, on March 12, Tout stole a paintball gun, worth about $850, from Wilsons Hunting and Fishing in Wanganui. Later that day Tout went to Edies Sports shop, also in Wanganui, and stole a fishing rod worth $340.

In May, Tout, who had been suspended from driving, stole a Ford Laser in Lower Hutt.

Tout and another associate smashed a window to get into the car and then smashed the ignition barrel.

Police officers saw the pair acting suspiciously and pursued the car. Tout drove along SH58, which has an 80km/h speed limit, at 120km/h. Police tried to stop Tout by flashing their lights and sounding the siren but Tout accelerated and was pursued.

He drove at excessive speeds around blind and tight corners and on occasions crossed over into the opposite lane.

Tout then drove the wrong way around a roundabout, in Postgate Drive, and continued on the opposite side of the road for about 10 metres as he approached a blind corner.

He failed to give way on the Paremata roundabout and again drove in the wrong direction.

When Tout's vehicle exited the roundabout, he drove on against oncoming traffic.

Police pursued Tout as he drove at more than 120km/h along Mana Esplanade, a 50km/h area. He turned into Ulric St, lost control of the car and eventually crashed into a wooden garage.

Tout and his associate left the car and ran from police on foot, but the pair were arrested almost immediately.

A blood test showed Tout had 95 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Reparation is sought for the damaged stolen car and garage.

On September 27, Tout stole two bottles of Bernadino sparkling wine from Carterton New World, worth $17.98. Two days later he went back to Carterton New World and stole another two bottles of Bernadino.

Reparation is sought for the bottles of stolen wine.

Judge Bill Hastings remanded Tout on bail for sentencing on November 25.