OK, it was my DNA, admits burglar

Hamuera Joe Paku, 21, pleaded guilty to charges of burglary involving $11,000 worth of tobacco products, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

When police confronted Hamuera Joe Paku about his DNA at the scene of a burglary he told them the "DNA machine must be wrong".

Within weeks of the burglary, he lead police on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of 160km/h and veering into oncoming traffic to escape police.

However, when the 21-year-old appeared before Judge Peter Butler in Masterton District Court earlier this week he pleaded guilty to the burglary involving $11,000 worth of tobacco products.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to stop for police and dangerous driving involving an incident a month after the burglary took place.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said on January 7, a Masterton Service Station was broken into with offenders smashing a front window to gain entry, stealing $11,000 worth of tobacco products.

Paku cut his hand, leaving behind his DNA.

"When spoken to by police he denied being involved ... he said the DNA machine must be wrong," Mr Wilson said.

Then on February 7, Paku was driving on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton heading north when police noticed him driving at speed and tried to pick him up, Mr Wilson said.

"Avoiding police, he was overtaking vehicles, veering in the lanes and into oncoming traffic ... it was wet and traffic was steady. He was clocked at speeds of 160km/h in a 100km/h zone."

Police abandoned the pursuit on Ngaumutawa Rd and the car was later found abandoned in Masterton.

Judge Butler remanded Paku on bail for a reparation and pre-sentence report. He is due to be sentenced July 21.