Drunk driver admits manslaughter of friend

Photo / NZH

A drunk teenage driver has admitted killing his friend in a road smash in Palmerston North.

Ben Victor Jagger, 18, of Bunnythorpe, near Palmerston North, pleaded guilty in Palmerston North District Court yesterday to the manslaughter of Nathan Conlon and injuring two others while driving with twice the legal alcohol limit, The Manawatu Standard reported.

Mr Conlon, 17, from Feilding was a front seat passenger in Jagger's 1996 Nissan Silvia which crashed in the Palmerston North suburb of Milson just before midnight on June 6.

He was cut free from the car and taken to Palmerston North Hospital where he died from head injuries the following night.

Jagger, who was himself seriously injured in the crash, was found to have 190 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood - the legal limit is 80mg - when he crossed the median strip and collided with a Toyota Hilux.

Two of the Toyota's five occupants were also injured.

Jagger was remanded in custody until sentencing in the High Court on December 2.

- NZPA