A Hamilton man will fight a serious driving charge over the death of his friend and fellow motorcyclist on the outskirts of the city earlier this year.
In Hamilton District Court this morning, Templeview man Brendon Jon Povey, 38, pleaded not guilty to a charge of careless driving causing the death of Wayde Anthony Thomas on Koromatua Rd, Templeview, on January 23, while under the influence of drink or a drug or both.
However, he pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with an excess blood alcohol level of 50mg, but not exceeding 80mg.
He was remanded on bail to reappear for a case review hearing in October.
At the time of the crash, police said neither rider was wearing a helmet or any safety gear when their motorcycles collided, killing Mr Thomas, 34.
