Base jumper pleads guilty after getting stuck on side of Auckland hotel

A base jumper who became stuck on the side of an Auckland hotel by his parachute has pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal nuisance and agreed to pay $22,000 in reparation.

Ilies Nait El Cadi, a 22-year-old from Belgium, initially faced two charges of burglary but these were amended to the less serious charges in Auckland District Court today.

His lawyer, Deborah Reid, said that he was sorry for his behaviour and would pay $22,000 reparation.

She asked that he be discharged without conviction.

Judge Brooke Gibson said before allowing this, he wanted to see that the money had been paid.

Nait El Cadi's lawyer asked that the matter be stood down while her client transferred the funds. Judge Gibson allowed this, however, after an adjournment t of 20 minutes or so, Deborah Reid said Nait El Cadi had only been able to access $1000.

The case was adjourned until Thursday.

According to the agreed summary of facts, on 28 September, Nait El Cadi gained unauthorised access to the Auckland central's Seascape Building on Customs St East, which was at the time a construction site.

He jumped the front fence and security hoardings and gained access to the stairwell, from where he made his way to the top floor.

According to the summary, the building contained numerous hazards which, if they fell, could endanger the lives of pedestrians on the footpath below.

The instagrammer launched himself off the building and after releasing his parachute, landed at the intersection of Anzac Ave and Beach Rd.

In a second incident, Nait El Cadi gained entry to the Indigo Hotel in the CBD, which is close to 150m tall, and made his way to the roof. He again launched himself off and released his parachute, but this time the parachute became stuck about halfway down the building and he had to be rescued.

About 20 or 30 FENZ staff attended the incident and the area below had to be cordoned off before FENZ officers smashed their way through a window on Level 23 and he was rescued. FENZ said the rescue came with a price tag of some $20,000.

Defence lawyer Deborah Reid said her client was sorry for his behaviour and will in the future be more mindful of the laws of countries he travels.

Police are also trying to get Nait El Cadi's parachute destroyed to show their condemnation of his behaviour. However, this matter wasn't addressed in court today and is expected to be heard during his next appearance on Thursday.