A founder of a well-known United States vineyard will be allowed to return home before a court appearance in Queenstown in May.
Richard David Berridge (77), of California, appeared in the Queenstown District Court yesterday, charged with careless driving and failing to stop and ascertain injuries at the scene of an accident on Tuesday.
It is alleged Berridge was driving a Volvo estate car in Malaghans Rd and
collided with a Spanish man and a 3-year-old Queenstown boy on a bike.
Neither victim was injured.
Defence counsel Olivia Wensley told Judge Mark Callaghan Berridge had never appeared before a court in New Zealand or the United States and sought for his passport to be returned to him, to enable him to return to his home country ‘‘for business reasons''.
The businessman, who is one of the founders of Duckhorn Vineyard, has a private label, Richard Berridge of Northern California, as well as Drystone of New Zealand, which he established in Central Otago in 2000.
He had ‘‘strong community ties'' to Queenstown and returned to the area several times a year.
His next visit was planned for early May.
Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin said he was not able to, and did not, point to any ‘‘flight risks'' for Berridge.‘‘His family has community ties here, but I've stood here and said that before, as well.''
Judge Callaghan granted Mrs Wensley's request, ordering Berridge's passport to be returned and remanding him on bail to reappear in court on May 2, at which time pleas are to be entered.
