Banned driver fled police then ran red light

A banned driver fled from police in a stolen car and collided with a patrol vehicle before speeding through a red traffic light without slowing or looking on to one of the busiest roads in Christchurch, a court heard.

Frank Stuart Endacott, an unemployed

54-year-old from Woolston, has admitted five charges including dangerous driving for his escape manoeuvre on Brougham St.

Police prosecutor Stephanie Blake told Judge Kevin Phillips in the Christchurch District Court yesterday the car, a $9000 Subaru, was taken from outside a Spreydon address at 7.30am on September 15.

Endacott’s licence was suspended on October 4, and he already has two previous convictions for driving while suspended so yesterday’s charge carries heavier penalties. She said that about 11.50pm on October

13, Endacott was driving the stolen car – which had different, but stolen registration plates – on Gasson St in Sydenham.

Police tried to stop the car while it was stopped at traffic lights, using their flashing lights. Blake said: ‘‘Endacott fled from police, colliding with a patrol vehicle as he turned on to Brougham St and accelerated away. He went straight through the red traffic signal without slowing or looking for any other traffic.’’

He then sped off on Brougham St at well above the posted 60km an hour limit, while the road was wet and other traffic was present. The stolen car was found in Judge Pl, Woolston, and Endacott was found hiding in the driver’s seat of a different vehicle about 150m away.

Endacott admitted charges of driving while his licence was suspended or revoked, unlawfully using the vehicle he was driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop for the police, and intentionally damaging a car window.

Judge Phillips remanded him in custody for sentencing in December but a firm date is still to be set. Blake got the judge’s permission to withdraw charges of assaulting a police officer to avoid arrest, unlawful possession of an offensive weapon – a long handled axe – in public, and possession of a glass pipe for using methamphetamine.

Endacott is the son of Frank Morris Endacott, the former New Zealand national rugby league team and Warriors coach.