Skater lucky to be alive

30th March 2006

ROGER MORONEY

An attempt to get a bit more speed from his skateboard by getting a tow from his mate's car last night resulted in a 16-year-old Napier boy getting a ride to hospital instead.

"Senseless", was Senior Sergeant Tony Dewhirst's brief summation of the pair's activities.

"He's actually lucky to have only received status three moderate head injuries ... he could have been killed."

Police and St John Ambulance were alerted to the incident, in Chelsea Drive, Taradale, about 6.35pm.

Mr Dewhirst said the skateboarder had not been wearing a helmet and received several lacerations to the head after somehow being flicked forward across the bonnet of the car and onto the ground.

Police estimated the car had been travelling about 20km/h, and it appeared the skateboarder had been holding on to its side door pillar.

The injured youth was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital for treatment and it is understood he was discharged this morning.

Mr Dewhirst said the 16-year-old driver had been spoken to and, although charges had not yet been laid , he was likely to be referred to Youth Aid.