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Driver says he fell asleep
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
A WHAKATANE man who pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of aggravated careless driving causing death, relating to an accident near Te Karaka, thinks he fell asleep at the wheel.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty in Gisborne District Court to aggravated careless driving causing the deaths of Juanita (Nita) Raikes, 80, and her granddaughter Hayley Goodall, 20.

The man has interim name and employer suppression.

He was remanded to reappear in Gisborne District Court for a probation report, sentencing report and sentencing on November 16.

Supporters of the women killed in the crash and of the defendant were in court for the hearing.

The accident happened on State Highway 2 near Te Karaka at 5pm on April 20.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Tess Brownlie said the defendant did not remember the accident but believed he fell asleep at the wheel.

He was travelling north and drove over a crest in the road before crossing the centre line and colliding with the south-travelling vehicle occupied by the two women.

Judge David Ruth thanked relatives of the dead women for their presence and offered his sympathy.

The court could not restore what they had lost but applied justice as best as it could, her told them.

Their presence in court took courage, said the judge.
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