An Alexandra man is awaiting sentence for an incident in
which his wife died last September 5.
Murray David Anderson (42), employed, was convicted of
careless driving causing death by Judge Dominic Flatley, in
the Alexandra District Court, yesterday.
Anderson admitted the charge, which was laid by Wanaka police
after an investigation by the police serious crash unit, in
relation to a motorcycle incident on State Highway 6, near
Lake Hawea.
Anderson's wife, Natalie Joy Anderson (42), was a pillion
passenger on the 1100cc Yamaha Virago motorcycle he was
riding at the time.
The couple, who had been married for 20 years, were taking
part in a commemorative motorcycle rally for Anderson's
brother, Donald Anderson.
Reading from the police summary of facts, Sergeant Ian Collin
told the court Anderson obtained a motorcycle learner licence
on March 24, 2009, which he used on the rally.
Such a licence did not legally allow Anderson to ride a
motorcycle larger than 250cc, exceed 70kmh on an open road,
or carry a pillion passenger.
He was also required to display a learner plate on the rear
of the motorcycle.
Anderson had borrowed the Yamaha motorcycle, and was riding
towards Makarora about noon on a stretch of road known as The
Neck, Sgt Collin said.
That part of the highway was a 100kmh area and cut into rock
bluffs, he said.
"As the defendant entered a right-hand bend, his inexperience
and speed prevented him from negotiating the corner safely.
"At a point midway through the curve, the defendant developed
an excessive lean in an attempt to successfully negotiate the
curve.
"The motorbike lost traction with the road surface, causing
it to slide into the water table, then into the rock bluff.
"In explanation, the defendant stated that as he went around
the right-hand bend the footpeg hit the ground, pushing the
bike over," Sgt Collin said.
Anderson and his wife were thrown from the motorcycle.
His wife's helmet came off and she suffered a fatal head
injury during the crash, Sgt Collin said.
The road was dry and clear during the incident, and
visibility was good, he said.
Judge Flatley remanded Anderson at large to May 5 for
sentencing.
He ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
"I imagine there will be some statements from the various
members of your wife's family.
"I can't begin to imagine the impact of this tragic incident
on you, your family, and your wife's family," Judge Flatley
said.
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