Motel’s ‘guest’ follows short stay by checking into court

A man who broke into a motel unit fled from the room when he was discovered by paying guests.

Coleman Fraser had been lounging on the bed in a room at the Northgate Motor Lodge in Strandon, New Plymouth, for about 90 minutes before his clandestine stay was uncovered.

Detective Sergeant Dave MacKenzie said the 45-year-old arrived at the motor lodge about 5.10pm on June 29.

But unlike other visitors, Fraser did not have a booking and did not make himself known.

‘‘He uplifted a black broom handle from a garden area, inserted it through an unlocked window and used it to unlatch a sliding door and gain entry to a motel unit,’’ MacKenzie said.

Once inside, Fraser spent about one and a half hours in the unit before he was discovered by other guests and left the premises.

MacKenzie said Fraser explained to police officers that he had no other place to go.

‘‘He also said he did not use any of the consumables at the motel and just lay on the bed and used the toilet,’’ he said.

The motor lodge’s website shows rooms start from $125.

Yesterday, Fraser pleaded guilty to unlawfully being in an enclosed yard or area. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three months’ jail or a $2000 fine.

Community magistrate Lesley Jensen convicted Fraser and remanded him on bail to reappear in the New Plymouth District Court on July 18, where he will be sentenced on other charges.