A man who yesterday admitted careless driving causing the death of another motorist will complete a restorative justice programme before being sentenced.
Michael John Andrews (27), mine worker, of Queenstown, appeared before Judge Tom Broadmore in the Queenstown District Court and admitted causing the death of David Orchard on State Highway 1, Mangamaunu, Kaikoura, on March 6.
Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin said Andrews was driving a Mitsubishi Pajero on State Highway 1, just north of Kiwa Rd, near Kaikoura, about 4pm.
Mr Orchard was driving south in a Mercedes camper van, with his wife in the front passenger seat.
The weather was clear and sunny and the road was dry.
Sgt Collin said the section of the road was governed by a 100kmh speed limit, was two-way, sealed and had adequate markings.
Andrews was negotiating a sweeping left-hand bend when he crossed the centre line and ended up in the path of the vehicle Mr Orchard was driving.
Mr Orchard braked and swerved to the right to avoid a collision, while Andrews swerved left, into his own lane, and the two vehicles collided.
Sgt Collin said Mr Orchard sustained serious injuries and was trapped in the van, slumped over the steering wheel.
His wife was removed from the camper van by members of the public.
Andrews was also trapped and was extricated by emergency services staff before being flown to Christchurch with serious head injuries.
Mr Orchard was extricated and flown to Wellington, but died the following day.
When spoken to by police, Andrews said because of the head injuries he sustained he had no recollection of the incident.
There were previous matters, Sgt Collin said.
Inquiries with Mr Orchard's family confirmed they were interested in entering into a restorative justice programme, but they asked for Andrews to be sentenced in Wellington.
Judge Broadmore entered the conviction and remanded Andrews to the Hastings District Court, as a nominal location, for sentencing on October 22.
He directed Andrews to enter into a restorative justice programme, during which a discussion about where sentencing should take place should occur.
Judge Broadmore entered a pre-sentence report to address all options short of imprisonment, including community and home detention options.
