KEY POINTS:
A disabled driver who accidentally crushed an elderly woman while trying to park his car is "deeply remorseful" and will have to live with the consequences of what happened for the rest of his life, a court has been told.
Jason McGregor, chef, aged 35, was yesterday sentenced in Palmerston North District Court to 120 hours' community work for his part in the death of pensioner Glenda Eames.
He also lost his licence for 12 months and was ordered to pay $5000 reparation.
He had pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless driving causing death and one of reckless driving causing injury.
Defence lawyer Fergus Steedman said McGregor was deeply remorseful and would have to live with what he had done for the rest of his life.
Judge Grant Fraser said he accepted Mrs Eames' death was a "pure accident".
McGregor was pulling into a disabled car park at the Terrace End shops in March when his foot slipped from the brake on to the accelerator.
The car hit Mrs Eames, 80, and her husband Sidney, 84, of Gisborne, as they walked past and slammed them into a shop front, shattering the plate-glass window.
The pair were taken to Palmerston North Hospital, where Mrs Eames had both legs amputated. She died 38 days later.
Mr Eames is recovering from a head injury, broken finger and bruising.
After the sentencing, he told The Dominion Post he bore no malice toward McGregor.
Mr Eames said he was deeply saddened by the loss of his wife but was not angry at McGregor.
"I have nothing against the man in any way. Actually, I feel sorry for him. He wasn't in control of the vehicle."
- NZPA
