Man admits throwing rocks at chopper

In a last minute change of plea, a Turangi man has admitted a charge of endangering life after throwing rocks at a helicopter, causing more than $20,000 worth of damage.

Daniel Whetu Ormsby, 45, unemployed, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering life by tampering with an aircraft when he appeared before Judge James Weir in Rotorua District Court on Wednesday.

Ormsby was to stand trial on charges of endangering life and assaulting a pilot using rocks as a weapon but pleaded guilty, reported The Daily Post.

Crown prosecutor Fletcher Pilditch then told the court the other charge Ormsby was facing would be withdrawn.

Judge Weir was remanded Ormsby on bail for a pre-sentence report and sentencing on Friday.

- NZPA