Auckland politician's guilty plea over fatal crash

Warren Flaunty. Photo / Supplied

Auckland politician Warren Flaunty has pleaded guilty to a driving charge after being involved in a fatal crash.

Blair Titmus, 34, died in April after his motorcycle and a car being driven by Flaunty collided on Hobsonville Rd, west Auckland.

Flaunty appeared at the Waitakere District Court today where he pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death.

He has yet to be sentenced.

His lawyer Robert Webber told the court his client had commissioned an accident report and there were "issues arising out of the report''.

"Mr Flaunty wants a number of matters placed before the court.''

Sergeant James Martin said Flaunty had an "informal'' meeting with Mr Titmus' partner on the weekend and was keen to go through a Restorative Justice session.

"My understanding is that there is a dispute over culpability.''

Judge Lisa Tremewan said the issue of culpability would need to be clarified before sentencing.

She said Flaunty was entitled to maximum credit for his early guilty plea but the case might need to be set down for a disputed facts hearing.

Judge Tremewan remanded Flaunty on bail to reappear next month.

Outside court Flaunty made no comment. Mr Webber said there were "matters under consideration'' and would not comment further.

Flaunty has been a businessman and pharmacist for 40 years.

He is an elected member of Auckland Council's local boards for Rodney, Upper Harbour and Henderson. He also sits on the Waitemata District Health Board and the Waitakere Licensing Trust.

The charge of careless driving causing death carries a maximum a penalty of up to three months' in prison or a $4500 fine.