The consequences of a crash which killed an Otago man's wife as she rode pillion with him was far greater than any sentence which could be imposed, a court was told yesterday.
Murray David Anderson, 42, of Alexandra, was appearing in Alexandra District Court for sentencing on a charge of
careless driving causing the death of Natalie Joy Anderson on September 5 last year, the Otago Daily Times reported.
She was a pillion passenger on the 1100cc Yamaha Virago motorcycle he had borrowed to ride in a motorcycle rally.
Anderson had only a learner licence which did not allow him to ride a motorcycle larger than 250cc, exceed 70km/h on an open road, or carry a passenger.
The couple failed to negotiate a corner and were thrown from the machine, Mrs Anderson suffering a fatal head injury.
Police prosecutor Tim Hambleton said the consequences of the crash were far greater than any sentence that could be imposed.
Anderson admitted the charge and was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for nine months.
"The penalty cannot and must not be equated to the value of the life lost," Judge John Macdonald said.
- NZPA
