Skater won't pay $750 fine

A Gisborne skateboarder is refusing to pay a $750 police fine for skating on an empty footpath. Reuben Baker was riding his skateboard on a deserted CBD street when fined by a highway patrol officer, the Gisborne Herald reported. But Mr Baker is refusing to pay, saying the amount is excessive.

Gisborne Sergeant Trent Higgs said: "The officer obviously believed it was appropriate at the time to issue the fine".