Woman avoids jail on driving charge

File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A second young South Island woman within a week to admit dangerous driving causing death has avoided jail.

Jessica Gwen McNelis, 22, of Cape Foulwind, today admitted in Westport District Court causing the death of Westport man James Hill, 21, in a hit and run in February.

Judge Emma Smith sentenced her McNelis to eight months' home detention, nine months' supervision and disqualified her from driving for 18 months.

The sentence covered a raft of charges, including failure to stop and ascertain injury and careless driving causing death in relation to the February hit and run, plus previous charges of excess breath alcohol, common assault and a community work breach.

McNelis was also convicted and discharged for careless driving and failure to stop for police in 2009.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Harris told the court that on February 5, McNelis was socialising with friends in Westport. She drove a white Mercedes Benz, owned by her boyfriend's mother, to a local hotel where she consumed a number of drinks.

About 3am, McNelis drove to a Peel Street home and continued socialising with a small group.

Mr Hill was also at the gathering. He had been drinking at the same hotel as McNelis and left the party alone in an intoxicated state.

McNelis left the party alone to look for her boyfriend and drove into Rintoul Street, where Mr Hill was lying on his back in the road, near an intersection.

"She drove over the victim, causing massive head injuries and his instantaneous death," Mr Harris said.

McNelis did not stop and made no attempt to contact emergency services despite having a cell phone with her. She drove to a friend's house, arriving about 5.30am, and told them what had happened.

When she learned Mr Hill was dead, McNelis discussed whether to dispose of the car. The friends contacted emergency services when she left.

McNelis that day went to the police "of her own volition", telling them she had seen something on the road but was unable to stop.

"She went on to say she panicked and continued driving," Mr Harris said.

Lawyer Doug Taffs said his client was genuinely remorseful. She sincerely apologised to the family and friends of Mr Hill.

He requested home detention due to her young age and lack of any extensive criminal convictions.

On Tuesday, Blenheim woman Frances Carol Stubbs, 20, was also sentenced to eight months' home detention after admitting driving with excess blood alcohol causing death when she appeared in Blenheim District Court.

- NZPA