Northlander admits drink-driving causing his partner's death

Frederick Megchelse has admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol that caused the death of his partner. Photo / Tania Whyte

Whangārei mother Josie Takimoana was lying on the roof of a ute being driven by her partner when she slid off and slammed head first into a road barrier and died.

Her partner, Frederick Megchelse, had been indefinitely disqualified from driving since September 14 but applied for and was granted a zero alcohol licence.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty in the Whangārei District Court yesterday to one charge of driving contrary to a zero alcohol licence and another of excess breath alcohol causing death.

The level of alcohol exceeded 400 micrograms and Megchelse had on at least two previous occasions been convicted under the Land Transport Act.

A police summary of facts presented to the court said that on December 20, just five days before Christmas, Megchelse was driving a flat-deck Toyota ute on Whareora Rd. The warrant of fitness had expired in July 2018 and there were large cracks in the windscreen.

A number of large household items were packed on to the truck that were about level with the top of the cab.

Josie Takimoana was on the back of the ute with an 11-year-old girl while Megchelse was in the cab with two girls aged 8 and 15.

When a number of items fell off the ute on to the road the young girl became frightened and opted to ride in the front with the three others.

Takimoana remained on the back and sat on the roof of the ute facing the rear of the vehicle.

Police said Takimoana then lay down on the roof of the cab and leant over the windscreen and looked into the cab.

As she did so Megchelse drove round a medium right-hand bend.

Takimoana slid off the left-hand side of the roof and slammed headfirst into a steel barrier on the side of the road. She suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene.

When police breath-tested Megchelse recorded 600 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath and said he had drunk four bottles of beer about 90 minutes before driving.

Takimoana's father spoke briefly in court and confirmed his family has agreed to a restorative justice meeting with Megchelse.

He said he did not blame Megchelse but his daughter for what happened.

The man said it was hard farewelling his daughter over the holiday period and that he wanted Megchelse to spend time with his children.

Megchelse was remanded in custody for sentencing on March 29.