The scene of the crash between Omahu Road and Flaxmere Avenue, Hastings on January 13.
The scene of the crash between Omahu Road and Flaxmere Avenue, Hastings on January 13.
A Hastings mother has denied causing her young daughter's death while driving under the influence of methamphetamine. But Valencia Marie Skipper has pleaded guilty to driving while forbidden.
Skipper, 21, entered both pleas before Judge Geoff Rea at Hastings District Court this morning.
Skipper faces a charge of driving acar, on January 13, while under the influence of methamphetamine and causing the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Saphire Skipper-Hira when the child was flung from the car.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment or a fine of $20,000.
She has elected a trial by jury.
Skipper pleaded guilty to driving after having been forbidden because she's an unlicensed driver.
The crash happened on Hawke's Bay Expressway between Omahu Rd and Flaxmere Ave. The child had been sitting in a carseat in the back seat of the Nissan Primera and was flung from the car when it rolled into a ditch.
Skipper was remanded on bail and will return to court in October.
