Adam Rapson at Christchurch High Court. Photo: RNZ / Anna Sargent
A man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a young woman following a high-speed crash in Rangiora north of Christchurch.
Adam Rapson, 18, also admitted five other charges, including dangerous driving causing injury and failing to stop for police, at the High Court this morning.
He was on a learner licence when he got behind the wheel of a car that smashed into a house in the early hours of 17 September.
One of the four passengers in the car, Zara Mitchell, 18, was killed, and two other teenagers were injured.
The court heard the three victims were in the car and were not wearing seatbelts.
The car had already been ordered off the road.
According to the summary of facts, Rapson had consumed cannabis throughout the day, and was travelling at about 140km/hr when he lost control of the vehicle.
Canterbury police rural area commander Peter Cooper said police were called to reported illegal street racing in the Fernside area just before 4.45am on 17 September.
"Police followed an offending vehicle for a short time, but then stopped due to the manner of driving and the urban environment," he said.
"The vehicle was found crashed into the side of a house on McIvor Place, Rangiora, after it appeared to have hit a tree. No-one in the house was hurt."
People in the packed public gallery called out to Rapson as he was led from court, saying they loved him.
Justice Cameron Mander remanded him in custody until his sentencing in February.
