High-speed chase ends in court

A Newtown woman who stole a car and led police on a high-speed chase through Porirua was disqualified from driving at the time.

Ani Titihuia Toki, 26, took a friend’s Toyota on October 28 and drove it to Titahi Bay with a passenger. The victim phoned police, and when a police car approached Toki with lights flashing, she sped away.

Toki was disqualified from driving for 18 months in March, her fifth disqualification.

To get away from police Toki drove on the wrong side of the road and across a raised island. She drove south on State Highway One at 160 kilometres an hour before turning north at Johnsonville.

She overtook cars without indicating and weaved in her lane.

Toki sped through Paremata roundabout at 90kmh, Mana Esplanade at 100kmh, and Pukerua Bay at 90kmh.

She was finally stopped by police road spikes at Paekakariki. The pursuit lasted 42 kilometres.

Despite admitting to her dangerous driving to police when caught, she denied stealing or driving the car at Porirua District Court on October 29.

She was charged with driving while disqualified, taking a vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Toki changed her plea to guilty when appearing in court on November 5.

She was remanded in custody until November 29.

A psychiatric report will be prepared before her next appearance.