Alun Garth McLachlan, 52, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday where he admitted a charge of failing to stop and ascertain injury following the death of 33-year-old Owaka man Rikki Robin Lindsay McCall.
The change in plea came almost two years to the day since the incident happened.
The Otago Daily Times understands McLachlan played a key role in Mr McCall’s funeral, before he was in the frame for causing his death, driving a tractor which bore the man’s coffin.
On May 7, 2022, the two men had been socialising with others, celebrating the opening of duck-shooting season.
The group were drinking at a large shed in Owaka Valley Rd known as the "Duck Dormitory", court documents said.
Between 11.30pm and 12.20am Mr McCall left the site and walked east towards his home — a 20-minute trip.
The court heard he had consumed an "unknown quantity" of alcohol throughout the day.
Shortly afterwards, McLachlan left in his Ford Courier fitted with tractor-tyre grips, which should not have been driven on the road.
Despite feeling "a bump", McLachlan did not stop.
Just minutes later, the victim’s friends found him dead.
McLachlan was interviewed by police later that day and denied driving on that road or having any involvement in the death.
He claimed he had been driving a Nissan Navara at the time.
On May 18 that year, police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home and his Ford Courier was seized for forensic examination.
He attended the station where a dramatic video-recorded interview unfolded.
McLachlan conceded he had made "mistakes" in his initial statement regarding the vehicle and route he had taken but maintained his innocence.
However, once the recording was stopped, he made admissions about his role in Mr McCall’s death.
With the camera rolling again, McLachlan admitted he was driving down Owaka Valley Rd at 60kmh-80kmh and "felt a bump that gave him a fright".
He said he had consumed nine beers and two rums beforehand.
The defendant said he was not aware he had struck Mr McCall and it was only the next day when he worked out he was the culprit.
The victim’s father, Robin McCall, previously described his son as a "top, top guy".
He was a "great husband and father" who loved being involved in his community, he said.
McLachlan will be sentenced in August. A restorative-justice conference with the victim’s family would be considered.
