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An Auckland man whose two children drowned when his boat sank in the Hauraki Gulf was today sentenced to 250 hours' community service.
Lindsay Rowles pleaded guilty in North Shore District Court to operating a vessel causing unnecessary danger or risk, under New Zealand maritime law.
He admitted being negligent with safety checks on his boat, which sank drowning his two young children.
Last year Rowles' two children Erina, eight, and Travis, five, drowned when his boat sank near Shag Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Crown prosecutor Mark Davies told the court that Rowles bought the 7.3m vessel shortly before the sinking on April 24 last year, and had not carried out a safety check before setting out.
He also failed to ask the vendor about the workings of the vessel, including operation of the bilge pump.
Judge Barbara Morris told Rowles that in passing sentence she took into account the "overwhelming remorse and regret you have shown".
- NZPA
