Drink-driver, 71, admits killing cyclist

Alison Downer admitted driving with excess alcohol causing death in court today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A drink-driving grandmother who hit and killed a Horowhenua cyclist in September lodged a guilty plea in Levin District Court today.

Alison Downer, 71, who did not speak in court, admitted driving with excess alcohol causing death.

She hit Frank van Kampen, 46, while he was cycling along State Highway 1 between Otaki and Waikanae.

Mr van Kampen, a teacher, died at the scene.

In front of Mr van Kampen's weeping and shaking widow Jude Pauwels and four-month-old daughter Alexandra, Ms Downer was remanded on bail for a pre-sentence report.

She was due to reappear on February 3.

Ms Downer failed a police breath test after the September 18 crash and her licence was immediately suspended for 28 days.

- NZPA