Negotiations could stop trial

Charges against the man at the centre of an Auckland motorway drama which resulted in a courier driver being killed by police could be settled without a trial.

Stephen Hohepa McDonald, 50, reappeared in Auckland District Court yesterday facing more than 30 charges in relation to the January 23 incident. The charges include firing at police, possession of a firearm and aggravated robbery. McDonald's lawyer Roger Chambers was granted a new hearing date and more time to negotiate with prosecutors.

Police allege McDonald went on a crime spree which resulted in a pursuit along the Northwestern Motorway. During the pursuit Halatau Naitoko, 17, was killed after being caught in the crossfire.

- NZPA