Bridge swing operator Alistair McWhannell was today sentenced
to 400 hours community service for the manslaughter of a
Massey University student who fell to her death last year.
Catherine Peters, an 18-year-old first-year veterinary
student, plunged about 20 metres on to rocks below the
Ballance Bridge, near Woodville, while on a university trip
being run by Crag Adventures on March 7.
A rope meant to keep her secure as she jumped from the bridge
was found to be too long and not tied to rigging correctly,
and she died of her injuries in hospital hours later.
McWhannell, who had sole responsibility for the activity, was
last month found guilty of her manslaughter and appeared in
the High Court at Palmerston North today for sentence.
Justice Ronald Young said McWhannell's continued refusal to
acknowledge responsibility for Ms Peters' death continued to
cause her family anguish.
He ordered McWhannell to pay Ms Peters' family $10,000
reparations.
McWhannell, 47, remained expressionless throughout the
sentencing, and did not make eye contact with Ms Peters'
family as they read victim impact statements to the court.
Ms Peters' father, Bosco Peters, said his daughter's death
was like "having a wing ripped off a plane while we were
flying".
"Sometimes it feels totally unreal, other times it feels like
the only reality...Catherine's death is my own personal
trial."
He said he lived with the nightmare that her death was
preventable, but that the family had never been given any
acknowledgement of fault.
Ms Peters' mother, Helen Peters, spoke through tears as she
told the court that she treasured every moment with her
daughter.
"There should have been so many more moments," she said
looking directly at McWhannell.
"There is no way to share the loneliness in my heart without
her."
Mrs Peters said it was unbearable that her daughter's death
should have arisen from "such gross negligence" when they
were such a safe family.
She said the family had never received any apology and that
an early admission of guilt from McWhannell would have been
the truest sign of genuine remorse.
Her brother Jonathan said his sister would have lived to 100.
"She should have been able to live but she was thrown off a
bridge by Alistair McWhannell."
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