4 Mar 2015

Drunk driver pleads guilty to manslaughter

12:15 pm on 4 March 2015

An unlicensed drunk driver who fled from police and caused a crash that killed his friend has pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the High Court in Auckland.

Robert Pora also admitted driving recklessly causing injury, drink driving, failing to stop for police and driving while forbidden.

According to the police summary of facts, Pora did not hold a driver's licence and was over the blood alcohol limit when he was spotted by a patrol car passing another car at speed in Manukau.

When police gave chase, Pora sped off at up to 100 kms/h

The chase ended when he hit a road island, before crashing head-on into another car.

Pora's friend Steven Te Pania died at the scene while Pora was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other car also spent a night in hospital.

Pora was allowed to kiss his partner before being led into custody. He is due to be sentenced in May.