Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis has pleaded guilty to drink-driving after crashing his Tesla, leaving a taxi driver seriously injured in central Auckland.
The 58-year-old admitted causing injury while driving with excess blood alcohol and reckless driving during a video appearance in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.
The charges related to a crash at the intersection of Jellicoe St and Halsey St in Wynyard Quarter on September 23.
Curtis' Tesla and a taxi were badly damaged in the collision.
Two people were taken to hospital, including the taxi driver, who sustained serious injuries.
Case transferred to Rotorua
Avatar star was allegedly more than twice the legal alcohol limit when he crashed his Tesla into a taxi on Auckland's waterfront last month. (Source: 1News)
On Thursday, Curtis' lawyer Samuel Moore sought to have the case transferred to Rotorua, where the actor was based.
Judge Tiffany Cooper KC agreed.
Moore also asked for Curtis' existing bail conditions to remain in place, including a condition preventing him from contacting the victim.
Charging documents seen by 1News stated Curtis had a blood alcohol reading of 122mg per 100ml of blood. The criminal limit for adult drivers is 80mg per 100ml.
At an earlier hearing, police upgraded the drink-driving charge, which carried a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000.
Curtis did not appear at the previous hearing after being excused on medical grounds.
'I made a devastating mistake'
In a statement released at the time, Curtis said he continued to recover at home from internal injuries.
"I made a devastating mistake, and I'll have to live with the consequences and do what I can to address the harm caused.
"I am deeply sorry. My thoughts are with the injured taxi driver and his family."
Curtis was remanded on bail for sentencing in February – with the possibility of an earlier date if one became available.
Judge Cooper also made an application for restorative justice so the actor could meet with the victim.
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