Amorous couple take spirit of giving too far

Nelson police have charged a Wanganui couple after they took the spirit of giving a bit too far on Christmas Eve.

Sergeant Shane Miles said the pair were stopped at 2.30am after they were noticed both seated behind the steering wheel of a car.

The couple were in a state of undress but the woman had returned to her own seat when a police officer approached the vehicle.

The man was asked why he was driving with the woman on his lap. Before he could answer, his passenger replied; "Come on officer, it's Christmas: a time for giving".

The amusing reply didn't change the fact that this was an "incredibly stupid and potentially dangerous thing to do," Mr Miles said.

A 21-year-old Wanganui man has been charged with careless driving but may not have to appear in court if he pleads guilty by letter.

His 20-year-old passenger was fined for not wearing a seatbelt.

- NZPA