Elderly driver admits causing death

Michael "Paddy" Janes

An elderly Masterton woman has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of 73-year-old motorcyclist Michael "Paddy" Janes.

Tony Mckelvey, 77, a retiree, appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday before Judge Bill Hastings.

Prosecuting Sergeant Garry Wilson said that, about 12.15pm on July 20 last year, Mckelvey had driven around a moderate bend on Riversdale Rd and veered into the left-hand lane, hitting Mr Janes on his BMW 650 motorcycle.

Mr Janes died at the scene and Mckelvey was left trapped and injured in her car.

Mckelvey's car came to a rest in a roadside ditch and firefighters used hydraulic gear to peel back part of its roof to free her.

She sustained moderate injuries and was flown by helicopter to Wellington Hospital.

Mr Wilson said police were not averse to a restorative justice meeting between Mckelvey and Mr Janes' family taking place.

Mr Janes was born in Martinborough but had lived and worked throughout Wairarapa in a range of jobs, which included posts with New Zealand Railways, South Wairarapa District Council, Department of Conservation, and earthmoving firm Gough, Gough and Hamer.

Mr Janes had a wife, Zella, two children, Tania and Michael, and eight grandchildren.

Judge Hastings remanded Mckelvey at large, to appear on April 14 for sentence and for the possibility of restorative justice to be canvassed.