News Briefs: Boatie swims 200m to shore

Boatie swims to shore

A man swam about 200 metres to shore after his dinghy capsized in windy conditions at Cable Bay, Mangonui. Emergency service crews rushed to Cable Bay beach about 3pm yesterday after reports that the lone occupant in a dinghy jumped into the water in choppy seas. Mangonui fire chief Peter Sainsbury said a man in his mid to late 20s jumped into the sea because his dinghy was being blown away. Once he arrived safely to shore, firefighters ventured out to sea and retrieved the dinghy. The man was not hurt.

Woman trapped after crash

A Far North woman has been taken to hospital after a collision involving her car and a Chorus van at Waimate North about 9.10am yesterday. The crash at a moderate bend on Showground Rd left the woman trapped by one foot and the road blocked in both directions. She was freed by another motorist before emergency services arrived.

Gang member surrenders

A gang member on the run after ripping an electronic bail monitor from his leg turned himself in to police - just in time for a scheduled court appearance. Bernard Simon Monk, 32, went on the run late last month but on Monday decided he would would make an appearance at the Whangarei District Court. Monk was on electronic bail on a range of charges including possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply. He faces new charges of wilful obstruction and assault with intent to rob. A charge of assaulting a police officer was withdrawn. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance.

Driver dobbed in by mates

A 44-year-old man who allegedly was drunk and decided to ignore advice and then drive was dobbed in by his concerned mates. Whangarei police Sergeant Graham Povey said officers were called to a Whakapara house where a man had been drinking and had driven off. The car was spotted on State Highway 1, weaving across the road into the wrong lane. The driver refused to be be breath tested.