A learner driver has admitted being behind the wheel of a non-compliant car that crashed into a north Canterbury home, killing 18-year-old Zara Mitchell.
Adam Rapson was remanded in custody after his appearance in the Christchurch District Court on Friday.
Rapson's family and friends packed out the public gallery for the court appearance and emotionally told him they loved him after he was remanded.
Rapson, 18, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, being on a learner's licence without a qualified person, driving a vehicle that had been ordered off the road and fleeing police.
No bail application was made.
The crash happened in the early hours of September 17, after what police described as illegal street racing in the north Canterbury rural community of Fernside.
Police officers "followed an offending vehicle for a short time, but then stopped due to the manner of driving", Canterbury rural area commander Insp Peter Cooper said at the time.
"The vehicle was found crashed into the side of a house on McIvor Pl" in the nearby town of Rangiora "after it appeared to have hit a tree", Cooper said.
Rapson was the driver, with three passengers - including Mitchell - in the car.
No one else was injured.
The matter was referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
