Judge halts South Auckland toddler's driveway death case

The father of a boy killed in a driveway believes the man who admitted the charge shouldn't be held responsible.

The father of an 18-month-old boy killed in a South Auckland driveway in 2013 believes the man who admitted the charge shouldn't be held responsible.

George Mahanga, 57, appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday for sentencing over the death of his great-nephew, Kronos Gosney, in July 2013.

Mahanga initially pleaded not guilty to careless driving causing death, but changed his plea to guilty last November.

He was reversing his 4WD when the tragedy occurred.

Mahanga was supported in court yesterday by his nephew, Kronos' father Matthew Woller.

Mr Woller tried to join the accused in the dock, but was stopped by court security staff.

"They've got the wrong guy," he said before returning to his seat. His comments led to an in-chambers discussion between Judge Phillip Recordon, police prosecutor Adruab Heffernan and Mahanga's lawyer, Rowena Smith - appointed to represent him only yesterday.

Judge Recordon adjourned the matter until March and apologised to media present for not being able to explain what was happening.

Outside court, Mr Woller declined to elaborate on his comments, saying all would be revealed at the next court appearance.

"It's been adjourned for a reason, I'm not going to reveal it at this stage."