Foreign driver charged with causing death and injury to be sentenced in June

Wei Kiong Lew's charges relate to injuries to his partner and the death of a motorcyclist. Photo / Otago Daily Times

A Singapore man who last month admitted charges of aggravated careless driving causing death and injury, after the death of a motorcyclist near Oamaru, is to be sentenced in June.

Wei Kiong Lew (30), appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Dunedin District Court this morning after the Crown offered no evidence on alternative charges of dangerous driving causing death and injury.

The charges followed a crash on State Highway 1, near Waianakarua, about 20km south of Oamaru, about 5pm on November 29 last year.

Motorcyclist Craig Alan Chambers, of Motueka, died at the scene.

The charges related to Mr Chambers' death, and injuries caused to Lew's partner (the other occupant of the rental vehicle he was driving) and the two occupants of another vehicle involved in the crash.

Crown counsel Robin Bates, on behalf of Timaru Crown counsel Andrew McRae, said the alternative charges of dangerous driving causing death and injury were no longer sustainable. No evidence would be offered on those.

Mr Chambers' wife told the court she wanted it noted that she was not happy with the arrangement, Mr Bates said.

Judge Phillips said he could understand her reaction. The Crown had accepted Lew's pleas to the alternative charges.

Lew was remanded on bail for sentence and possible restorative justice on June 3.