Drowned boy's mother speaks out

A grief-stricken mother told the Tauranga District Court yesterday that she would never get over the death of her son after a boat capsize in January last year near Opotiki.

Kelly Robinson was speaking after the sentencing of Otorohanga company director James Gordon Newlands, who was found guilty last month on two charges under the Maritime Transport Act of operating a ship in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk to persons or property.

The 47-year-old recreational skipper defended the charges arising from an ill-fated fishing trip which claimed the life of 13-year-old Steven Robinson. The 6m craft Predator flipped in heavy swells off Maraetai Bay.

Newlands was sentenced to 150 hours community work and ordered to pay $1800 emotional reparation.

- NZPA