Driver who struck war vet to keep driving

Sommerville was sentenced on a charge of careless driving causing death. Photo / NZME.

A man who struck a 91-year-old war veteran with his vehicle causing his death will lose his licence for six months but will continue to drive for work.

Sam Sommerville, of Muriwai, was sentenced in Waitakere District Court today on a charge of careless driving causing death.

Retired Royal New Zealand Air Force squadron leader John Wiltshier was crossing State Highway 16 at Huapai on April 1 last year when he stepped in front of the truck Sommerville was driving.

He was struck by the truck and died two days later.

Defence lawyer Bridie Murphy said Sommerville had tried to avoid hitting Mr Wiltshier.

"He honestly believes that he did all the could in the circumstances," she said.

"He has been haunted by this incident and will continue to be for the rest of his days."

However, Judge David Mathers said he could have done more to prevent hitting Mr Wiltshier.

"You delayed for one or two seconds before you took all the appropriate steps [to avoid hitting the victim] and it was that delay which I found was the careless element in your driving.

"My finding was that if you had reacted as extensively as you could have, by braking earlier, then you would have stopped within a metre or so of having stuck him," he said.

Sommerville was sentenced to six months' loss of licence. He was also ordered to complete a defensive driving course and attend a restorative justice conference with Mr Wiltshier's partner and her daughter.

He had voluntarily refrained from driving for the past month, so his limited licence, allowing him to drive for work, could start immediately.

Sommerville said outside court he was looking forward to meeting the family for closure.

"I am nervous but it will be good to speak to them. This is something I have to live with for the rest of my life and so will they," he said.