Community service for bridge swing operator guilty of manslaughter

Catherine Peters died at Ballance Bridge, near Woodville, on March 7, 2009. Photo / Supplied

Bridge swing operator Alistair McWhannell was today sentenced to 400 hours community service for the manslaughter of a Massey University student who fell to her death last year.

Catherine Peters, an 18-year-old first-year veterinary student, plunged about 20 metres on to rocks below the Ballance Bridge, near Woodville, while on a university trip being run by Crag Adventures on March 7.

A rope meant to keep her secure as she jumped from the bridge was found to be too long and not tied to rigging correctly, and she died of her injuries in hospital hours later.

McWhannell, who had sole responsibility for the activity, was last month found guilty of her manslaughter and appeared in the High Court at Palmerston North today for sentence.

Justice Ronald Young said McWhannell's continued refusal to acknowledge responsibility for Ms Peters' death continued to cause her family anguish.

He ordered McWhannell to pay Ms Peters' family $10,000 reparations.

McWhannell, 47, remained expressionless throughout the sentencing, and did not make eye contact with Ms Peters' family as they read victim impact statements to the court.

Ms Peters' father, Bosco Peters, said his daughter's death was like "having a wing ripped off a plane while we were flying".

"Sometimes it feels totally unreal, other times it feels like the only reality...Catherine's death is my own personal trial."

He said he lived with the nightmare that her death was preventable, but that the family had never been given any acknowledgement of fault.

Ms Peters' mother, Helen Peters, spoke through tears as she told the court that she treasured every moment with her daughter.

"There should have been so many more moments," she said looking directly at McWhannell.

"There is no way to share the loneliness in my heart without her."

Mrs Peters said it was unbearable that her daughter's death should have arisen from "such gross negligence" when they were such a safe family.

She said the family had never received any apology and that an early admission of guilt from McWhannell would have been the truest sign of genuine remorse.

Her brother Jonathan said his sister would have lived to 100.

"She should have been able to live but she was thrown off a bridge by Alistair McWhannell."

- NZPA