Lomu's partner to face crash charges

All Black Jonah Lomu's girlfriend, Teina Stace, will be charged with careless driving after plummeting off a Wellington hillside road and wrecking his powerful sponsored car.

Senior Sergeant Pete Cowan, of Kilbirnie police, confirmed the charge yesterday and said that she would also face one count of failing to comply with the conditions of her driver's licence.

At the time of the crash, Ms Stace was allegedly driving alone while on a learner's licence which requires her to be accompanied by an experienced, licensed driver.

These matters are dealt with by way of an infringement notice and a court summons.

The crash occurred on December 8. The Ford Falcon XR6 plunged 10m down a bank, teetering on a concrete retaining wall.

Ms Stace, who suffered a broken arm and a bruised hip, was trapped in the car for more than an hour while emergency services freed her from the wreckage.

Senior Sergeant Cowan said police interviewed Ms Stace on Wednesday night and the decision on the charges was made yesterday.

"Right throughout this whole inquiry, she's been wonderful to deal with, and that includes yesterday with the interviewing officers."

All Black spokesman James Funnell said the Rugby Union was looking at who was liable for the vehicle damage and at the possibility of Lomu having to foot the bill.

Union representatives who were lent the Fords were allowed to nominate another driver, but conditions were attached.

A spokeswoman for sponsor Ford said the company was waiting for insurance and police reports before commenting.

Lomu's agent, Phil Kingsley-Jones, refused to comment.

- NZPA