Public complaints help halt speeding driver

Marlborough Police arrested a man who was recorded driving at 171kmh on State Highway 1 south of Ward about 4.30pm yesterday. Police received several complaints from members of the public about the man’s driving and went in search of the vehicle. Officers caught up with the speeding vehicle after it became caught behind other traffic.

When the driver was signalled to stop he did a U-turn and fled in the opposite direction.

The car was stopped after a short pursuit and the driver arrested. Marlborough Highway Patrol Sergeant Barrie Greenall said young man’s driving placed all road users at risk. “I’d like to thank those members of the public who alerted us to his behaviour.

Thankfully we were able to apprehend him before his road trip ended in tragedy.” Sgt Greenall said the man had travelled from Dunedin yesterday and complaints had been received from as far afield as Canterbury.

A hitch hiker who was in the vehicle when it was stopped told Police a second hitch hiker, who he believed was a Canadian tourist, had asked to get out of the car near Kaikoura due to concerns about the driver's behaviour.

Police are interested in speaking to that person. The 21 year old from Ashburton has been charged with Failing to Stop and Driving at a Dangerous Speed.

He received an immediate 28 day suspension of his driver’s licence and has been released on bail to appear in the Blenheim District Court on 23 March.

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