Family disappointed at lack of remorse for fatal prank

Christine Fairweather was killed as she tried to remove four gates from a busy South Taranaki road. Photo / Supplied

Three Taranaki men have been sentenced to home detention for the manslaughter of Christine Fairweather.

Appearing in the High Court at New Plymouth yesterday, Daniel Gavin, 21, received a seven-month home detention sentence, while 19-year-old Samuel Hawkins got nine months, and 18-year-old Jayson Campbell will be monitored for 12 months.

All three have been ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.

Mrs Fairweather, 57, died after she was hit by a car as she tried to remove four gates from a busy South Taranaki road.

The three offenders had put them there, as part of a prank.

Mrs Fairweather's husband and sister fought back tears as they read their victim impact statements, pointing out the lack of remorse on the part of Campbell and Hawkins.

Geoff Hart who was driving the car which hit Mrs Fairweather has already pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death, and was sentenced to 100 hours community service.

Gavin, Hawkins and Campbell were told their actions were foolish and immature by Justice Matthew Muir.

Justice Muir said they had all been influenced by peer pressure, but said that did not detract from what their actions were.

He said they were an act of rank stupidity with no forethought to the potential consequences.

The family of Mrs Fairweather were grateful for the remorse shown by one of the men who caused her death.

Mrs Fairweather's, sister Dianne Coleman, said the family was disappointed neither Campbell nor Hawkins showed any remorse.

She said they were happy, however, that Daniel Gavin had received a lesser sentence as he was the only one who appeared to want to turn his life around.
- Newstalk ZB