Police say Jan Lukas Falke drive to drive his van into Lake Dunstan with his girlfriend in it.
A German tourist accused of trying to kill his girlfriend has had charges against him downgraded.
Jan Lukas Falke, 20, appeared before the High Court in Dunedin this morning where a charge of attempted murder was replaced by one of dangerous driving.
Crown prosecutor Craig Power said the decision was
made to amend the charges after expert evidence became available.
The defendant allegedly tried to drive his van with his partner in it into Lake Dunstan at Italian Creek in the Cromwell Gorge on January 22 this year.
Falke is also charged with threatening to kill the woman, assaulting a female, driving with a breath-alcohol level of 584mcg on the Cromwell-Clyde Rd and driving while forbidden.
