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\nFile photo.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Rebekah Parsons-King\n<\/p>\n
A man’s attempt to flee police by setting sail quickly failed when he came across a police catamaran operating nearby.<\/p>\n
Police said at about 8.30am Friday, officers told a 27-year-old Porirua man at the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions.<\/p>\n
“Rather than face the consequences of his actions on a public holiday, the man jumped into his boat and fled towards the horizon,” police said.<\/p>\n
Unbeknownst to him, the police catamaran, Lady Elizabeth IV, was operating nearby and responded when shore-based officers reported his escape from custody.<\/p>\n
Unit Supervisor Sergeant Richard Kennedy said the appearance of the police boat, complete with flashing lights, probably came as a surprise to the fleeing skipper, who allegedly ignored all instructions to stop.<\/p>\n
“When he saw us, he did a 180 in his boat and headed off at a rate of knots. He hit Porirua Harbour at speed and headed toward the shore, with us in pursuit,” Kennedy said.<\/p>\n
“It didn’t get any better for the absconder because we were speaking with police units on the ground and letting them know where he was heading ashore.”<\/p>\n
The man was quickly found hiding under a boat shed on the south side of the twin bridges at Paremata and placed in custody.<\/p>\n
Police said the man has been charged with breach of bail and escaping custody. A further charge of dangerous boating was being considered.<\/p>\n
Fisheries officers were also making enquiries after an inspection of the vessel.<\/p>\n
The man is expected to appear in the Porirua District Court in the coming days.<\/p>\n