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An Auckland man who allegedly drove at speeds of up to 170km/h through the Waikato on Monday night was finally caught by police when a third set of road spikes shredded his car's tyres at Meremere.
Company director Lance Bruce Mackay, 33, faced five charges in the Hamilton District Court yesterday, including assault using a motor vehicle as a weapon, resisting arrest, failing to stop for an officer, dangerous driving, and a further assault charge. He has been remanded on bail to reappear in court on December 10, after his alleged 25-minute joyride between Ngaruawahia and Mercer.
The incident has shocked his workmates at the Fast 4s and Turbos car yard in Grey Lynn, who described the man as a "good guy and good salesman" - though his behaviour had jeopardised his chances of keeping his job.
"We're very disappointed to see what's happened, for sure," said sales manager Denny Ryder yesterday. Despite being an employee of Fast 4s and Turbo, Mackay did not have authority to drive the yard's Nissan 350GT Skyline, particularly outside the city, Mr Ryder said.
The $38,995 ticket price of the car was still sitting in the passenger seat at the Hamilton salvage yard yesterday.
The first the company had heard about what happened was on the Herald website yesterday, Mr Ryder said.
"We've had no major problems [with Mackay], that's what has surprised us. It's been the talk of the day here."
Police allege Mackay's behaviour was first noticed in Ngaruawahia about 10pm when an officer heard a car doing burnouts.
