Herbs star fined over accident that killed man

A musician with one of New Zealand's most well known bands -- Herbs -- has escaped a jail term after killing a man in a road accident.

Auckland musician John Dilworth Karaka, 55, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of 58-year-old William Greene on March 27 near Reporoa, and to careless driving causing injury to Mr Greene's passenger David Tau Tau.

Karaka is well known and respected in music circles for his work with Herbs. The group is one of New Zealand's premier reggae bands and well known for its pro-peace and anti-nuclear stance.

Yesterday, Karaka -- who has a previous conviction for careless driving -- was ordered to pay $2000 each to the family of Mr Greene and Mr Tau Tau.

He was also banned from driving for one year and ordered to carry out 150 hours' community service by Rotorua District Court Judge Phil Gittos.

His car had slammed into a parked vehicle on March 27 -- killing Mr Greene and injuring Mr Tau Tau.

Karaka had been returning to Auckland at 4.15am in heavy rain after a gig at National Park. Visibility was poor, the court was told.

Both Mr Greene, who was in the driver's seat, and passenger Mr Tau Tau had to be cut free from the vehicle. Mr Greene died at the scene and Mr Tau Tau suffered a ruptured spleen, spending several days in intensive care.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)