Man admits drugs charges in aftermath of police pursuit

A man charged with a number of drug offences has been sentenced to 12 months intensive supervision.

Oliver Mikkle Luthje-Cavell, 28, pleaded guilty to 16 charges and was sentenced on six related to possession of cannabis as well as possession and supply of methamphetamine in the Nelson District Court yesterday.

Judge David Ruth sentenced Luthje-Cavell to 12 months inten- sive supervision with judicial monitoring.

He will return to court in June for sentencing on further charges of reckless driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for police, resisting police, aggravated assault and wilful damage.

A police summary of facts said Luthje-Cavell was found slouched behind the wheel of a car with its engine running near Jubilee Park on April 3, 2017. He appeared drowsy and semi-conscious.

When approached by police, Luthje-Cavell accelerated heavily which caused the car to skid, narrowly missing two police officers.

Luthje-Cavell was then pursued by police as he drove along Gladstone Road. He drove through a red light on the wrong side of the road.

He then continued along Lower Queen Street at speeds of up to 120 kilometres an hour, passing several vehicles including a logging truck.

Luthje-Cavell crashed the car into a culvert and then fled the scene.

He resisted arrest and was pepper sprayed before being restrained by officers.

A search of the car revealed 7.2 grams of methamphetamine, a glass pipe, small snap lock bags, and a blow torch. He also had $683.10 cash on him.

Judge Ruth said a pre-sentence report showed Luthje-Cavell had engaged in rehabilitation in Auckland, where he was now living.

‘‘It is pleasing to see that you are making progress, these are slow matters, one does not become rehabilitated from the sort of problems you’ve had overnight and no-one expects you to but the signs are positive.’’