Drunk driver who hit two girls admits guilt

The scene where two girls were hit by a vehicle which left the road in Manuwera late last year. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A drunk driver who ploughed into two girls as they walked along a south Auckland street and then tried to flee the scene has pleaded guilty.

Fereti Aiono, 27, admitted four offences _ two of causing bodily harm while over the legal breath alcohol limit, one of driving while disqualified and one of failing to stop at the scene of an accident where someone was injured - when he appeared in Manukau District Court this morning.

Aiono hit the girls, aged 8 and 11, while driving at 103km/h in a 50km/h area last December 22.

Witnesses said Aiono's Ford Fairmont hit the kerb on Wordsworth Rd before it swerved across the street and wiped out a fence.

One of the girls was pinned between the front and rear wheels on the right-hand side of the car.

Residents said Aiono tried to drive away after the crash but his car would not start. They said he and his passenger tried to run away, but bystanders chased them and took them back to the scene.

Judge Ajit Swaran Singh called for emotional harm reports from both girls and directed Aiono to take part in a restorative justice conference with them and their families, should they choose to participate.

He was remanded in custody until his sentencing in July.