350 hours' community work for hit-and-run driver

Joseph Tuinukuafe, 3, in hospital after his accident. Picture / Richard Robinson

A woman who seriously injured a toddler in a hit-and-run wants to serve a 350-hour community work sentence at the Brain Injury Association.

Melia Blackwood was yesterday sentenced to community work, disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay reparation of $1500 to the family of Joseph Tuinukuafe who she hit with her car on October 15.

The little boy suffered internal bleeding, a crushed thumb and concussion after Blackwood hit him, flipping him into the air at the corner of Pine St and Oxton Rd in Sandringham, and leaving him lying on the road.

He still suffers behavioural and speech problems from his head injury and is seeing an occupational therapist.

Her lawyer, Annabel Ives, told Judge Anne Kiernan in the Auckland District Court that Blackwood panicked after hitting the boy.

She said at a restorative justice conference with Joseph's family that Blackwood wanted to serve a community work sentence at the Brain Injury Trust where she would see the effects of car accidents.

"Not having stopped, it is something she will have to live with for a long time and she is totally and utterly remorseful," Ms Ives said.

Blackwood, 23, initially told police when they found her that her car had been stolen.

She was charged with failing to stop and ascertain injury and making a false statement and pleaded guilty at her second appearance in court.

Ms Ives said Blackwood realised she had "done a terrible wrong" after telling police her car was stolen and she contacted her to correct it.

Ms Ives said that rather than letting Blackwood go straight back to the police, she advised her to wait until it could be dealt with properly following the long weekend.

Judge Anne Kiernan said that, given Blackwood worked in the medical industry in a human resources role allocating staff for rest homes, she should have had a greater understanding of how brain injuries affect people.

"It's fortunate that this child has recovered," Judge Kiernan said.

"I accept that you came to your senses after panicking."

Judge Kiernan said it appeared Joseph's family had accepted Blackwood's apology at the restorative justice conference.

Meanwhile, it was revealed that Blackwood is facing new driving charges in the Warkworth District Court after allegedly aiding a person to drive while disqualified.

A warrant for Blackwood's arrest was issued in the Warkworth District Court yesterday after she failed to appear on a charge of aiding a person to drive while disqualified.

Judge Kiernan remanded her to reappear in the Warkworth District Court on March 28 on that charge.

Outside court, Joseph's aunt, Annie Takie, said he had recovered but suffered speech impediments and behavioural problems from the head injury.

"It's like he's starting to talk all over again," Mrs Takie said.

She said the family now had accepted Blackwood's apology and wanted to get on with their lives.