An innocent motorist has been killed and a manhunt was under way in central Auckland after a speeding driver ploughed into another car.
Two people fled the scene after a black Mercedes and small silver Toyota collided on Symonds St about 4.45am. / Video by Jason Oxenham
A drunk man who ran a red light in his car and slammed into a taxi, killing the young father inside, has pleaded guilty.
Farshad Bahadori Esfehani appeared in the High Court at Auckland this morning to amend his pleas over the December 2017 crash.
The now 22-year-old pleaded guiltyto driving with excess breath alcohol causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and failure to stop and ascertain injury.
The judge said the drunk driver is facing an inevitable prison term.
Abdul Raheem Fahad Syed, 29, a Discount Taxis driver and new dad, was killed in the early morning crash on Symonds St in central Auckland when Esfehani's black Mercedes-Benz slammed into Syed's Toyota Prius.
He had a breath alcohol reading of 908mcg of alcohol per litre of breath.
The limit for drivers aged 20 years and over is 250mcg, and those who blow over 400mcg will face a criminal charge.
Syed, who was believed to be on his way to pick up passengers, died just after 4.45am on December 23, 2017.
Esfehani and his passenger then fled the scene and were only found with the help of members of the public, police and the Eagle helicopter. Police dog units were also called to the scene.
The scene of the crash on Symonds St in December 2017. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Syed's widow, Nishat Abedi, later told the Herald her life was shattered when she learned of her husband's death.
"For me, everything is numb," she said.
"I was completely, completely numb. I was in shock."
She recalled Syed leaving their home about midnight for what would be the last time.
He placed his hand on their sleeping son's head because he feared the youngster might be getting sick and told his wife, "just take care of him", Abedi said.
At about 7.30am she received the dreaded phone call.
