Man faces 12 charges after high-speed chase

A Lower Hutt man accused of stealing a car and petrol, then leading police on a high-speed chase was remanded in custody when he appeared in Taupo District Court today.

Regan Shannon McKinley, 19 of Petone, appeared on 12 charges and was remanded without plea until August 24.

He was charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, disqualified driving, reckless driving, excess breath alcohol, resisting police, shoplifting, failing to stop for police, failing to give information to police, failing to remain stopped and possession of instruments for conversion.

He was accused of stealing a Subaru Impreza and $105 worth of petrol from BP Geyser in Rotorua on August 10.

Judge James Weir told the court the summary of facts carried "significant weight".

Police alleged McKinley had a breath alcohol reading of 476mcg alcohol per litre of breath.

McKinley allegedly refused to get out of his car after being stopped by police on State Highway 5, north of Taupo on Monday.

It was alleged he sped off, striking Constable Janine O'Connor on the knee, and was chased for 40km at speeds up to 170km/h.

After road spikes deflated three tyres on the car, he allegedly drove another 9km before stopped and arrested.

Ms O'Connor suffered minor bruising and a sore left knee but did not require medical help .

The incident happened about 7.30am, just north of Wairakei.

Police pursued the car for about 40km toward Rotorua.

- NZPA