Teen drove after taking 40 party pills

Daniel Stronach

A 17-year-old arrested after complaints about his erratic driving told police he had taken 40 party pills when the recommended limit was three, the Queenstown District Court heard yesterday.

Daniel James Stronach, formerly of Balclutha, had been in Queenstown nearly a month when he was arrested on Thursday.

He was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, driving while suspended, careless driving, and possession of a cannabis pipe.

Sergeant Ian Temple told the court members of the public had reported Stronach driving erratically in Gorge Rd on June 1, driving across the centre line, tail-gating traffic and attempting to pass a truck on a corner.

When stopped, he told police he had smoked cannabis and taken 40 party pills, acknowledging the recommended limit was three.

From the dock yesterday, Stronach interjected to say 40 pills would "kill you".

Stronach looked unwell and slightly dazed.

He did not appear to follow much of the proceedings, frequently interrupting Judge Kevin Phillips, and occasionally contradicting his own testimony.

Stronach also appeared on charges of interfering with a vehicle at Queenstown Car Rentals, intentionally damaging a motor vehicle belonging to Bruce Hagen, and another charge of possessing a cannabis pipe. The offences occurred while he was on bail over the driving incidents.

On Monday, Stronach was seen by members of the public indiscriminately shooting stones from a slingshot, one of which smashed the windscreen of Mr Hagen's car.

He then went into the carpark of Queenstown Car Rentals and entered a damaged Toyota car. He later told police he was looking for items of value.

He pleaded guilty to the seven charges committed in Queenstown, and to one further charge of intentionally damaging a padlock, the property of Kaka Point Play Group, in Owaka on March 4.

Stronach was remanded on bail until July 3 for sentencing, subject to strict conditions.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES