Driver took six weeks to admit fatal crash

Tom Fry was hit by a truck while riding his motorbike in May. Photo / Supplied

A truck driver who hit a motorcyclist near Oamaru, killing him in an early morning crash in May, only admitted what he had done six weeks later, a court was told today.

Richard Eion Gent, 35, of Timaru appeared before Judge Paul Kellar in Oamaru District Court on charges relating to the May 13 crash that killed 18-year-old South Canterbury man Tom Fry.

Gent was charged with careless driving causing death, perverting the course of justice, failing to render assistance following a crash and failing to report a crash within 24 hours.

The police summary said Gent had spent the night at a local motel and at 3.45am was starting work for the day.

He had been working for his employer for three weeks, driving a truck and trailer unit. The 20m Freightliner four-axle rigid truck towing a four-axle trailer was fully laden with coal weighing 45 tonnes.

It was dark and misty at the time.

Gent pulled out of a street at Richmond, just north of Oamaru, turning south onto State Highway 1 by crossing the northbound lane.

He stopped at the intersection to allow a southbound truck, followed by a car, to pass. He noticed a white light to the south, which dipped for the approaching truck.

Gent pulled out onto the highway and realised the light was an approaching motorcycle. He braked heavily and the rider fell from the motorcycle.

Gent slowed his vehicle but decided not to stop and continued south, making deliveries and not mentioning the crash to anyone.

A second vehicle, driven by Cam Paul Kennedy, 25, of Invercargill, struck Mr Fry. Kennedy will appear for sentencing in Invercargill District Court on October 21 on a charge of obstructing the course of justice.

During the investigation, Gent was spoken to by police and told them he had left the motel by a different street.

He went on to tell a "series of lies" relating to the morning, police said.

The truck was inspected on three occasions.

Six weeks after the crash, in a fourth interview with police, Gent admitted his involvement in the crash.

He told police he had watched the motorcycle crash but did not know where the rider had gone.

He said he had intended to stop but was overcome by panic.

Reparation of $6800 is sought for the motorcycle, which was destroyed in the crash.

Gent was remanded to appear in Oamaru District Court for sentencing on September 1.

- NZPA