Driver of unwarranted vehicle ignored road signs

The effects of the smash were so catastrophic, a judge ordered police to release a photograph to the media. Photo / Supplied

A driver who seriously injured three people had ignored road warning signs and was driving an unwarranted, modified vehicle.

Ashley Owen McLeod, 30, of Westport, appeared in the Westport District Court yesterday. He had admitted three charges of dangerous driving causing injury.

The effects of the smash were so catastrophic, a judge ordered police to release a photograph to the media.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Michelle Payne told the court McLeod was driving his BMW towards Inangahua at 11am on June 16 when he lost control on an 'S' bend on State Highway 6, the Lower Buller Gorge.

His car slid on the wrong side of the road towards an oncoming landrover. McLeod over-corrected and the BMW's passenger side hit the front of the landrover, which rolled into a drain.

McLeod had been travelling at over 82km/h, ignoring a 55km/h sign, Ms Payne said. He had driven past three signs warning of ice and grit on the road.

His car's warrant had expired in April, the springs in the wheels had been cut down and were rubbing on the car structure, and both rear tyres and a front tyre were excessively worn.

The steering column was not properly secured. A couple in the other car were badly injured.

The wife, 62, suffered a fractured back, broken ribs, broken thumb, serious chest bruising, blindness in one eye and deafness in one ear.

Her husband, 65, suffered a broken nose, broken rib and internal bruising.

McLeod's passenger, an 18-year-old man, suffered broken femurs in both legs and a compound fracture of his shin bone.

Judge Noel Walsh instructed police to provide the media with a copy of a photograph taken of the crash scene. He said it showed what could happen as a result of driving at speed in icy winter conditions.

He remanded McLeod at large to November 26 for restorative justice and a pre-sentence report.

He also directed that the injured couple be given a letter McLeod had written to them.