Recidivist drink-driver pursued

A recidivist drink-driver sparked a police pursuit through Timaru because he didn’t have a licence.

Taake Phillip Nuku, 31, pleaded guilty to failing to stop for red and blue flashing lights, driving while disqualified for the third or subsequent time, and driving with excess breath alcohol for the third or subsequent time when he appeared before Judge Joanna Maze in the Timaru District Court on Tuesday.

Defence lawyer Jay Lovely said this marked Nuku’s fifth drink-driving offence and fourth for driving while disqualified.

Police prosecutor Toaiva Hitila said the defendant’s vehicle was spotted driving straight through two stop signs – at the intersections of Coonoor Rd and Otipua Rd, and Hassall St and Woodlands Rd – on April 23.

‘‘Police attempted to stop the vehicle by activating the red and blue flashing lights and siren.

‘‘However, the defendant refused to stop.’’

Nuku was chased up Woodlands Rd and Wilson St, before turning right onto Church St and parking outside a house about 250 metres down the road.

He took off through multiple properties trying to shake the police car, but was eventually caught by a police dog unit and arrested.

‘‘Following the arrest, the defendant was suspected of having alcohol in his system. Evidential breath test procedures were carried out at the Timaru police station.’’

Nuku blew 713 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, nearly three times the legal limit of 250mcg.

‘‘In explanation, the defendant stated he took off because he had no licence.’’

Nuku had been disqualified from driving indefinitely on May 20, 2014. He was last convicted of drink-driving and driving while disqualified on June 27, 2017, in the Dunedin District Court.

Judge Maze remanded Nuku on bail for sentencing on July 16, ordering a pre-sentence report.