Base jumper pleads guilty to criminal nuisance

Ilies Nait El Cadi, a 22-year-old from Belgium, pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal nuisance in Auckland District Court. He also agreed to pay $22,000 in reparation.

The charges were originally burglary, but they were amended to the less serious criminal nuisance charges. His lawyer, Deborah Reid, said he was sorry for his actions and would pay the reparation.

Judge Brooke Gibson said he wanted to ensure the reparation was paid before allowing discharge without conviction. The lawyer requested a delay to transfer the funds, which was granted after an adjournment.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, as only $1,000 had been accessible at the time. The agreed summary of facts stated that on 28 September, Nait El Cadi gained unauthorised access to the Seascape Building, a construction site in Auckland.

He jumped the front fence and security hoardings, entered the stairwell, and reached the top floor. The building had numerous hazards that could have endangered pedestrians below. He exited the building and landed at the intersection of Anzac Ave and Beach Rd.

In a second incident, he entered the Indigo Hotel, climbed to the roof, and exited the building again. His parachute became stuck halfway down the building, requiring a rescue by FENZ officers. FENZ stated that the rescue came with a price tag of some $20,000.