A man who drove his car into the Wanganui District Court building has pleaded guilty to intentional damage.
Dean Anthony Thompson, 48, appeared in court yesterday and was released on bail by Judge David Cameron with the conditions that he adhere to a 24-hour curfew, and does not drive a car or consume alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
Thompson was driving on Bell St toward Market Place on Friday when he approached the courthouse and drove up its two front steps and into the front doors shortly before 7pm.
He then reversed his car and drove forward into the doors again, causing considerable damage to the entrance's glass electronic doors and to the vehicle.
He reversed out and drove away, but was later picked up by police driving on Heads Rd.
Thompson admitted the offence to police, saying he did it because he was "frustrated with the system". Thompson was released on police bail after the offence, but was caught driving, a breach of his bail conditions, and with alcohol in his system, also a breach of his conditions, on March 24.
Mental health issues are said to have played a part in his offending, and a psychiatric report has been ordered, along with a pre-sentence report.
Reparation is sought for the damage, but the amount is to be established at the sentencing date.
Judge Cameron warned Thompson that any breach of his bail conditions would result in him being remanded in custody.
Thompson is due to be sentenced on June 13, but he will also be resentenced on a burglary charge from earlier in the year for which he was ordered to come up for sentence if called upon.