Speeding teenager faces jail

A teen who led police on a high-speed chase along New Plymouth streets could be bound for jail.

Duchean Kayleb Walker, 17, admitted in the New Plymouth District Court to failing to stop and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

Last month a drunken trio of Walker and two mates did not stop for police as they cruised along Glenpark Ave and on to Fulford St.

Walker drove onto Powderham St at 75kmh and a second police car tried to stop him at the intersection of Eliot and Courtenay streets. He turned sharply, crossed three lanes and drove through a red light.

Walker sped along Coronation Ave at 120kmh and accelerated to 150kmh as he headed out of town.

Police prosecutor Craig Jones said Walker then pulled over near Lake Mangamahoe.

"The defendant was surrounded by police, who attempted to block him with their vehicles," he said.

By that time a third police car had arrived. "As police got out and approached the defendant he reversed his vehicle into the driver's rear door of a police vehicle and pinned an officer's leg between the door."

Walker then did a U-turn and headed back towards town, driving 100kmh through three sets of lights in a 50kmh area.

Because of safety concerns police abandoned the chase.

Walker later parked his car at East End Reserve. He handed himself into police the next day saying he took off because he had been drinking.

Walker was bailed to be sentenced on October 1.

- © Fairfax NZ News