Father won't defend car death charge

Ashish Macwan leaves the Manukau District Court with his wife. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A man charged with careless driving causing the death of his 3-year-old son says he doesn't want his court case "dragging out".

Ashish Macwan, 32, made a brief appearance at the Manukau District Court yesterday, supported by his wife, and was remanded on bail.

His son, Aarush Macwan, died when the van he was in rolled backwards into a freezing Central Otago lake.

Outside court, Macwan said he would not defend the charge.

"I don't want to go for a defence."

He said his family had already suffered enough and he just wanted the case to be over.

"I'm a working class person I can't afford it. I just want it to finish as soon as possible."

The 32-year-old sales representative first appeared in the Alexandra District Court but his case has been shifted north.

Macwan's family were on holiday in the South Island and going to Queenstown on April 21 when they stopped at Lake Dunstan, near Cromwell, so Macwan could stretch his legs.

While Macwan was outside, the van rolled into the lake.

Four adults and an 11-year-old managed to scramble free with the help of passers-by.

But Aarush was trapped in the back seat with his safety belt on, 5 metres below the lake's surface.

Despite repeated rescue attempts from passers-by - including Central Otago mayor Tony Lepper - he could not be saved. Rescuers gave Aarush CPR once his body was freed but he could not be revived.

Macwan will reappear in court next month.