A Palmerston North man, who bragged about having to "play catch-up" drinking, yesterday pleaded guilty to killing his passenger during a drink-driving escapade around the city.
Patrick Francis Tozer, 37, appeared in Palmerston North District Court before Judge John Clapham charged with the manslaughter of David Allan Mata.
Mr Mata was killedwhen Tozer's car ploughed into a tree on a sweeping bend in the early hours of March 21.
Subsequent blood-alcohol tests put Tozer's level at 139 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood
The legal limit is 80 milligrams.
One emergency worker who attended the scene described it as the worst accident in a 50km/h area he had seen in 17 years.
The court was told Tozer had arrived late to a 21st birthday party at the Albert Hotel, just after midnight.
After telling partygoers he had "better play catch up", he began drinking.
Later, Tozer and six passengers climbed into his car and continued on to other bars in the city.
The group visited Bar Uno on The Square and The Fat Ladies Arms before driving toward the northwest end of the city.
Police said Tozer reached speeds up to 80km/h along Grey St and was travelling about 70km/h when he reached the intersection of Koromiko and Rangiora avenues.
As the car accelerated along Rangiora Ave, he lost control, sending the vehicle into a skid.
The car hit a tree, with the force of the crash pushing the tree halfway through the car.
Police experts put Tozer's speed at 91km/h at the time of the crash.
The crash spun the car clockwise, throwing Mr Mata and another passenger through the hole left by the tree.
In explanation, Tozer told police he had been momentarily distracted before the crash.
He could remember nothing of the slide or impact.
He admitted having been drinking, and driving too fast.
Tozer was remanded on bail to the High Court for sentencing on August 18.
