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.
