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A disqualified New Zealand driver who killed an Australian motorcyclist while drunk and racing a mate on a Tasmanian highway has asked his victim's family for forgiveness.
The barrister for Haden Hori Anderson, Andrew Gaggin, read his client's apology to the Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday.
Mr Gaggin told the court his client wants a trans-Tasman "prisoner exchange" to return to New Zealand.
"Anderson realises he is going to jail for a substantial period," he said.
Anderson, 23, lost control of his car while racing at 140km/h near Franklin on March 29 last year, the Hobart Mercury reported
Aaron Bumford, who was travelling in the opposite direction, was killed instantly in the crash.
Last month Anderson was found guilty of manslaughter and the driver he was racing, 22-year-old David Gallagher, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death.
The pair had both pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter.
The court heard they had engaged in a lengthy high-speed race on public roads before the crash.
The ABC reported evidence they passed each other several times over double white lines, forcing other cars to pull over.
After the crash, Gallagher turned his car around but instead of stopping, drove back to Hobart and went to a hotel for a drink.
The court was told it was Anderson's fourth serious driving offence in Tasmania involving alcohol in two years.
"I never intended for anyone to be hurt by any actions made by me," Anderson's statement said.
"I made a foolish decision to drive my car.
"I can never bring your son back or go back in time but I hope you will forgive me."
Justice Pierre Slicer will sentence the pair on June 18.
- NZPA
