A Whakatane man whose car collided head-on with another vehicle, killing a grandmother and her granddaughter, thinks he fell asleep at the wheel.
The 46-year-old pleaded guilty today to two counts of aggravated careless driving causing death when he appeared in Gisborne District Court.
The charges relate to a fatal accident on State Highway 2 near Te Karaka on April 20 that claimed the lives of Juanita (Nita) Raikes, 80, and her granddaughter Hayley Goodall, 20.
The man has interim name suppression. He was remanded to reappear for a probation report, sentencing report and sentencing on November 16.
Grieving relatives of the two dead woman were in court for today's appearance. Supporters of the man were also present.
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-bound 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, the judge said.
- Gisborne Herald