Teen asleep at the wheel when police officer hit

File photo / NZ Herald

A Bay of Plenty teenager has admitted to falling asleep at the wheel before crashing his car into a top police officer and causing horrific injuries.

Daniel Longney has been sentenced to community work, and has been disqualified from driving for six months for careless driving causing injury.

He veered into the path of Senior Sergeant Deirdre Lack causing the collision.

She suffered life-threatening injuries as a result.

Longney's counsel says the 20-year-old is extremely remorseful for what's a tragic situation that was only caused by fatigue.

He's been ordered to pay reparation of $1000 to Ms Lack.

- Newstalk ZB