Judge Delays Sentencing for Driver After Waikato Crash

An Auckland car thief, Mana Stanley Hakaraia, led police on a dangerous 90-minute pursuit, resulting in a head-on crash on a Waikato highway, and has over 50 prior offences. At 42, he appeared in court with a suspended license and high levels of methamphetamine and ketamine in his system. Expressing a desire for rehabilitation, the judge allowed him to apply for the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court, which offers up to two years of intensive supervision. Hakaraia aims for a fresh start after years of disappointing his partner and family.

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