French hitchhiker's humiliating surrender to 'Nazi Zealand'

  • 23/09/2016
Cedric Claude Rene Rault-Verpre (Newshub.)
Cedric Claude Rene Rault-Verpre (Newshub.)

The French hitchhiker who left a trail of misdeeds across our country has suffered a humiliating surrender to "Nazi Zealand".

Cedric Claude Rene Rault-Verpre has agreed to pay $4000 to cover the cost of his crimes, so he would be allowed to leave the country.

Appearing in the Christchurch District Court on Friday, he pleaded guilty to one charge of shoplifting - admitting he stole a $1000 sleeping bag from a Kathmandu store in Auckland on September 9.

Previously, on Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to wilful damage, after damaging a State Highway 6 road sign when he became frustrated at being unable to hitch a ride.

He disputed that he did $3000 worth of damage to the sign, but, late on Friday, he returned to court and agreed to pay the full amount - although his lawyer said this was "somewhat under protest".

The court heard the reparations for the damage to the sign, plus the cost of the sleeping bag, had been paid for by an overseas donation.

"I can't see the need for any further penalty," Judge Brian Callaghan told him.

Rault-Verpre was allowed to leave, and his passport was returned to him.

Newshub.