Fatal crash discharge bid indicated

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal vehicle accident at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Hillgrove-Moeraki Rd, south of Oamaru. Photo / Daniel Birchfield

A kindergarten teacher from Austria who admitted responsibility for a crash that killed a motorcyclist at Moeraki may apply to avoid conviction, a court has heard.
Melanie Giesinger (28) appeared before the Dunedin District Court yesterday, where she pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving causing the death of 42-year-old Auckland man Tane Roderick on Thursday.

Defence counsel Rhona Daysh indicated there might be an application for a discharge without conviction, given the possible "implications" for her client.

Giesinger, the court heard, had been travelling the country with two friends when the crash occurred and was scheduled to fly home from Auckland at the end of the month.

Melanie Giesinger pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving causing death. Photo / Christine O'Connor

She was released on bail on condition she surrendered her passport and refrained from driving.

The court heard yesterday that the victim's mother lived in Invercargill and he had been in the South Island to visit an uncle.

Police were called to the scene on State Highway 1 at 10.40am on Thursday after reports of a collision.

Court documents revealed Giesinger was driving a Toyota Hiace van travelling northbound, when she indicated to turn right into Hillgrove-Moeraki Rd.

Mr Roderick was heading south when the defendant turned into his path.

A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described how she saw a man attempt to revive the victim before first responders arrived.

She spoke to the man briefly afterwards and said he was distraught.

Community Magistrate Simon Heale said Giesinger might eventually be sentenced in Auckland, given she was leaving from there and it might be a more convenient location for the victim's family for a restorative-justice conference to be held.

The defendant will appear in the Dunedin District Court next week for that to be determined.

The charge of careless driving causing death carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment or a $4500 fine.