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Wellington - A trip to Dunedin to visit his girlfriend ended in a Wellington student being charged over the riots which followed the Undie 500 tour.
James Ashley, 22, pleaded guilty in Wellington District Court today to disorderly behaviour causing violence and was convicted and fined $220.
The Undie 500 tour is an annual road trip organised by the Canterbury University engineering students society, Ensoc. It was to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, but this year's riots have threatened to end the popular event.
Police were pelted with bottles and drunken students set fire to cars and mattresses in a night of mayhem after 150 decorated cars and 1200 students from Canterbury University drove down to Dunedin on August 25.
Prosecutor Barney Soutar said Ashley was among a group of people who became disorderly around 11.45pm.
"He was one of a 100 people standing on the street in front of a fire.
"He told police he was disappointed by his own actions, but didn't realise the seriousness of the situation."
Defence counsel Mark Lillico said Ashley had not travelled to Dunedin with the Undie 500 tour but was there visiting his girlfriend.
"A conviction will prove difficult for him as he travels overseas regularly with a New Zealand sports development group."
Judge Jan Kelly said the situation had cost the Dunedin City Council, Fire Service and the police.
"This incident got completely out of control."
The judge convicted Ashley and ordered him to pay $220.
- NZPA
