Killer driver pleads guilty

The crash scene. Photo / Simon Baker

A man has pleaded guilty over the deaths of two people after a crash during a police chase in Christchurch in August.

Phillip Bannan, 22, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Deidre Jordan, 67, and Norm Fitt, 73, when he slammed into a car trying to escape police.

Bannan is facing further charges of driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.

Speaking on behalf of the families of the pair who were killed, Ms Jordan's daughter, Tania Lamb, said they were relieved that Bannan had pleaded guilty, and did not have endure a prolonged trial.

"Our mother and Norm had no control over what happened that night, the night they were killed, and we have no control over what happens next," Ms Lamb said.

"We can only hope that the justice system will result in an appropriate sentence, if there is such a sentence.

"But nothing will ever compensate for the loss of our mother and her friend Norm."

Bannan had been drinking in Akaroa on the afternoon of August 26, before driving to Christchurch in his Ford Mondeo about 5pm.

He did not have a license and his vehicle did not have a current warrant of fitness.

Police began following Bannan's vehicle in Christchurch after he was detected travelling at 89km per hour in a 50km per hour zone.

Bannan, still travelling in excess of the speed limit, and being followed by police, failed to stop for a red traffic light at the intersection of Gloucester and Fitzgerald Avenue and collided with a Daihatsu Terios travelling east through the intersection.

"The impact of the crash caused the Daihatsu Terios to rise several metres off the ground and spin prior to landing on the road," the police summary of facts said.

Mr Fitt, the driver of the Terios, died on impact from multiple injuries.

Ms Jordan, a passenger in the car, died enroute to Christchurch Hospital from her injuries.

Bannan was treated for a minor head injury and an injury to his spleen.

A sample of his blood was analysed and revealed 174 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

In explanation, Bannan said he had a couple of glasses of wine in Akaroa and did not stop for police because he did not have his licence and knew his vehicle would get impounded.

"He acknowledged that he knew there was a risk of people being injured or dying due to his speed and running red lights.

"The defendant showed no sign or remorse for his action."