Drunk-driver jailed for killing principal in crash

A Morrinsville man has been jailed for killing a school principal in a crash after he drank and drove.

Hayden Goodall, 32, who had two previous drink-drive convictions, earlier admitted charges of drink-driving, causing the death of Carole Braddick, and injuring her mother, Anglican minister Joy Braddick, in a car crash at Tahuna last September.

His blood-alcohol level - 185mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - was more than twice the legal limit.

Jailing Goodall for 2 years, Judge Phil Connell said in the Hamilton District Court that his two previous convictions for drink-driving in 1994 and 1995 should have given him warnings to change his behaviour, but he chose to ignore them.

Carole Braddick taught at Te Mata school for 23 years, the last eight as principal. An emotional harm report said the Te Mata students' level of learning had suffered after her death.

The court was told Goodall had started work on a farm about 5.30am on the day of the crash and had a couple of beers through the day.

Defence lawyer Jerome Keung said Goodall later stopped at the pub and drank some more with friends.

Goodall had started alcohol counselling. Mr Keung said he wanted to attend a restorative justice conference, but Ms Braddick's family refused.

- NZPA