Learner driver, Christopher Ngarepo Te Haupai Ruri (30) was sentenced to one month in prison today, for driving in a dangerous manner in Invercargill.

Has was also disqualified from driving for one year for resisting arrest and failing to stop for police. 

Judge John Brandst-Giesen sentenced the Invercargill man today, calling his actions “incredibly stupid”.

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Around 12.25am on Wednesday December 9, 2020, the defendant was driving down St Andrews Street, Invercargill. 

Police then tried to pull the vehicle over on Gala Street, by putting their lights and sirens on but instead, Ruri quickly accelerated away towards Ritchie Street. 

The police summary of facts says the police did not pursue the vehicle due to “the risk posed to the public by the defendant’s manner of driving”.

He continued to speed east along Chapman Street approaching the intersection of Lindisfarne Street, which was controlled by a give way sign.

Making no attempt to brake or slow down at the give way sign, he hurtled through the intersection at such speed that he “momentarily became airborne”.

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The summary of facts says that he barely stayed in control of his vehicle as he continued east. 

The vehicle was found by police minutes later outside his address on Lorn Street, Invercargill. 

Ruri was arrested, but as he was being led away by police, he managed to break free.

He ran down Lorn Street and jumped a fence into another person’s property, where he was arrested again. 

The defendant had been drinking but his test recorded under 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, within the legal limit.