Woman accused of deliberately causing fatal Napier crash

Police at the scene of the crash. Photo / Paul Taylor, Hawke's Bay Today

A Napier woman accused of deliberately causing a fatal crash was highly unlikely to be wearing a seatbelt, a serious crash investigator has told a jury.

Lyree Sayers, 26, is on trial for manslaughter in the High Court at Napier. She is accused of trying to commit suicide by smashing into Pam McGarva's car on July 9 last year.

Ms McGarva, a 55-year-old kindergarten teacher, suffered serious head injuries and died in hospital 10 days later.

Senior Constable Corey Ubels told the court Sayers' car crossed a wide medium strip between the two lanes, and crashed into the front-right side of the oncoming car.

He said his examinations showed none of the usual evidence that Sayers' seatbelt was worn at the time of the crash.

Earlier, Maria Fleming told the court about how she was the first to come across the crash scene.

She said it had been raining earlier that day and there was a visible mist in the air.

Ms Fleming said she saw Sayers slumped over her seatbelt in her crashed car, with a head injury.

Opening the Crown case, prosecutor Clayton Walker said Sayers had a heated argument with her then-boyfriend before getting into her car.

Mr Walker said she was in a highly agitated and fragile state and made the decision to end her life - but as a consequence took the life of Pam McGarva.

He said there were no contributing factors to prove it was an accident. Both cars were mechanically sound, the road was flat and straight, she wasn't drink driving, she didn't fall asleep and she wasn't using a cell phone while driving.

The trial is Sayers' second this week, after her first trial was aborted yesterday after just one day, due to legal issues raised with the evidence.

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.