Police warn of dangers of king-hits

Police are warning people about the dangers of ‘king-hit’ punches after a 22-year-old-man was hit, as he walked through Paihia with his father. Sergeant Ross Laurie of Kerikeri Police said serious injuries and death have occurred from ‘‘cowardly’’ king-hits. This punch came from no where, Laurie says and occurred at 9.30am on November 1. The victim was not seriously injured. Laurie says the offender has been identified but enquiries are ongoing into locating the offender.

In another incident, a car stolen from the carpark at the junction of Puketona Rd and SH10 on October 30 was found burnt out in Moerewa the next day. Police said a silver Mazda B2500 ute, which was locked, was taken from Puketona, and was found at the intersection of Lucas and Otiria roads in Moerewa on October 31. Meanwhile a 24-year-old Matauri Bay man was stopped by police on Kerikeri Rd, with an excess breath alcohol of nearly twice the legal limit. The man was pulled over on October 29 at 8am, and recorded a breath alcohol limit of 747 mcg. The legal limit is 250mcg. He was also a disqualified driver and was summons to appear in the Kaikohe District Court on charges of drink driving and driving while disqualified. If you have information on the king-hit or the burnt-out car found in Moerewa, contact Kerikeri Police on 09 407 9211 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.