Driver convicted of causing close friend's death

A Taupo woman was yesterday convicted of causing the death of her close friend in a road crash 18 months ago.

Melinda Anne Rogan, 28, was found guilty of careless driving causing the death of Karen Joy Kelland, 39, when her car collided with an oncoming 4WD on the Napier-Taupo road 18 months ago.

She was also found guilty of careless driving causing injury to a passenger in the 4WD.

Rogan was remanded on bail by Judge Geoff Rea in Napier District Court to await sentencing on September 15.

A distressed Rogan was allowed to be out of the courtroom for much of the trial at which the Crown claimed the crash had been caused by her vehicle's excessive speed.

She had been driving from Taupo to Napier when her car skidded on loose gravel. She over-corrected and her car collided with an oncoming Isuzu Bighorn.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY