An Auckland man who led Northland police on a high-speed chase between Paihia and Whangarei for more than two hours in which he rammed a patrol car has admitted all his offending at his first court appearance.
William Puna, 28, unemployed, pleaded guilty in the Whangarei District Court this week to three charges of unlawfully taking motor vehicles, and single charges of failing to stop, driving while disqualified, careless driving and aggravated assault.
He has been remanded in custody to appear for sentencing on March 18.
Police summary of facts stated Puna forced entry into a Mazda Familia at Mt Wellington in Auckland on Monday and smashed its ignition assembly to start the car.
He then drove the vehicle to Paihia where police attempted to stop him on Tuesday but gave up due to the speed at which Puna was driving.