By Joseph Nathan, Staff Writer.
A revoked licence didn’t stop Christopher Robert Hilton Murdoch from speeding through Timaru at 122 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, narrowly avoiding crashes and running red lights.
The 34-year-old now faces seven charges, including dangerous driving and theft, following a series of reckless offences across South Canterbury.
Murdoch’s licence was revoked in January 2019 after a medical review, but he continued driving illegally. By November 2022, he had been convicted three times for driving while suspended, an offense that can carry serious penalties, including lengthy driving bans and significant fines.
Fuel Theft Spree in South Canterbury
In early November 2024, Murdoch was caught stealing fuel twice—$60 from Challenge Lake Tekapo and $80 from Mobil in Twizel. Police believe these thefts were part of a broader spree across the region, demonstrating Murdoch’s ongoing disregard for the law.
High-Speed Chase Through Timaru
On November 3, Murdoch was filmed accelerating to 122 km/h on North Street. The high-speed chase escalated when he ignored red lights at the Wilson and Selwyn streets intersection, putting other drivers at serious risk of collision.
On January 16, Murdoch pleaded guilty to seven charges in the Timaru District Court, including three counts of driving while suspended, two of theft, and dangerous driving.
The court also heard how Murdoch’s repeated offences have led to mounting legal consequences. Judge Dominic Dravitzki remanded him on bail until May 28 for sentencing, with strict conditions not to drive.
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