Police officer admits careless driving after crashing into elderly woman's car

Hawkes Bay constable Shane Greville originally faced a charge of dangerous driving causing injury, but today entered a guilty plea to the lesser careless driving charge. Photo / File

A police officer has admitted careless driving causing injury after crashing his vintage car into an elderly woman's vehicle while speeding.

Hawkes Bay constable Shane Greville originally faced a charge of dangerous driving causing injury after the crash last September.

But in Hastings District Court today he entered a guilty plea to the lesser careless driving charge.

Greville was off duty when his black Chevrolet Camaro hit another car at 6pm on September 27 on Napier Rd in Havelock North.

It's understood the officer paid $89,000 for the slick black 1967 Camaro, which he had bought just three weeks before the crash.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Neil Coker said Greville was travelling at about 91 km/h, "well above the posted speed limit", when he braked heavily and skidded about 50m, before hitting the rear of a 74-year-old's vehicle, shunting it off the road.

The woman needed hospital treatment for heavy bruising to her face and ribcage.

Greville said he was "very remorseful" and acknowledged he had been "showing off", Mr Coker said.

He was convicted and remanded for sentencing on September 30.