Driver sentenced for running over officer

A driver whose truck ran over and killed a senior police officer was today ordered to pay his victim's family $2000 "emotional" reparation and banned from driving for nine months.

Desmond Wilson, 45, of Porirua appeared for sentence in Wellington District Court after earlier being found guilty of causing the death of Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald through careless driving.

Mr Fitzgerald, a road safety expert, was knocked from his bicycle by Wilson's truck and was crushed under its rear wheels at the intersection of Hutt Rd and The Esplanade in Petone in June last year.

In a reserved decision on September 30, Judge Tom Broadmore said he was satisfied that Wilson had diverted his attention from the road and that Mr Fitzgerald was well able to be seen.

Judge Broadmore's decision followed a three-day trial in Lower Hutt District Court in August.

- NZPA