Man in court over string of car crashes

The man appeared at Christchurch District Court charged with assault using a Holden ute as a weapon, reckless driving, intentional damage, and driving with excess breath alcohol. Photo / File

A driver accused of a series of separate car crashes before being stopped by police and allegedly tasered has been remanded in custody.

Richard Allen Clark, a 47-year-old painter from Sumner, appeared from custody at Christchurch District Court today.

Police claim he is the driver of a green Holden ute responsible for last night's trail of destruction where several cars and a motorbike were damaged in Sumner, Moncks Bay and Linwood.

He's also accused of driving at people who tried to stop him.

There were no serious injuries, police said.

But ambulance paramedics treated a number of people at the various scenes.

Police last night said they caught up with a male driver on Wakefield Ave near Evans Pass Rd about 7pm.

The driver allegedly became aggressive on approach and therefore was tasered.

Clark appeared in court today facing five counts of assault using a Holden ute as a weapon, reckless driving, intentional damage, and driving with excess breath alcohol.

Police allege he gave a reading of 886 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit before a prosecution is laid is 400mcgs.

Bail was opposed by police and Judge Brian Callaghan remanded him in custody to November 23 to appear via audio visual link from prison.