Biker flees from police with child on gas tank

Photo / Thinkstock

Chased by police with a child in a car seat on the petrol tank of his motorbike, Aki Henare gave his pursuers the finger and fled, reaching speeds of 70km/h in a residential street.

Appearing before Judge Peter Butler in Masterton District Court this week, the 24-year-old shearer pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Police prosecutor Garry Wilson said Henare was seen by police riding the motorbike at 65km/h with the child in a car seat perched on the petrol tank.

They tried to stop him but he sped off, Mr Wilson said.

"He gave police the finger."

Clocked driving at 70km/h on Cameron Cres, Henare went home and parked the motorbike in the garage. Police arrived soon after.

"He said he was taking his son for a drive."

Defence lawyer Virginia Pearson said it was a ridiculous thing to do. Neither Henare nor the child were wearing a helmet.

"It was stupidity at the end of the day."

On the dangerous driving charge, Judge Butler disqualified Henare from driving for six months and fined him $900 and $130 court costs.

On the failing to stop charge, he was sentenced to a further three months disqualification for a total of nine months.

-APN