KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Defence Force could face fines of up to $250,000 after a fatal unimog crash.
In Marton District Court yesterday, the Defence Force pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety of army gunner Michael Chapman who was badly injured when the all-terrain unimog he was riding in crashed with a Foodstuffs truck in February.
The driver of the truck, Shane Ratahi, died in the crash on State Highway 1 near Hunterville.
Mr Chapman fractured his skull and multiple bones, punctured a lung and suffered a brain swelling that partially paralysed him
The court was told that was Mr Chapman was sitting in the back of the unimog, where no seats and restraints were fitted, when the crash occurred.
The case was adjourned for sentencing in February.
Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said in a statement the Defence Force was committed to keeping soldiers as safe as possible during inherently dangerous activities.
He offered his "deepest sympathies" to Mr Ratahi's family.
- NZPA
