Man accused of fatal crash denied bail

A man charged after a fatal crash on Auckland's North Shore in February has been denied bail.

Cornelis Klein, 50, is facing one charge of dangerous driving following the crash which resulted in the death of 71-year-old Michael Roden Plimmer.

Police said a charge of murder or manslaughter would likely be laid at a future date.

Klein's lawyer Murray Gibson asked for his client to be bailed to a Waikato address where he could be closely monitored by people working from home.

He said they could ensure Klein took medication he required for his mental health.

But Judge Thomas Everitt denied bail, saying he believed Klein was still a potential risk to the public.

Police allege Klein began screaming and shouting about killing himself to the 18-year-old daughter of his former partner as he drove around Albany on February 2.

They say she convinced him to stop and let her out and called police.

A police car which was sent in response to the 111 call passed Klein's Jeep. He allegedly followed and rammed the police car, shunting it 50 metres into an intersection before the Jeep rolled on top of Mr Plimmer's car.

A total of eight vehicles were damaged in the incident.

Family members of Mr Plimmer said outside court they were pleased Klein would remain in custody.

Klein has been at the Mason Clinic for a psychiatric assessment prior to today's appearance.

The court was told today that a doctor had found Klein was fit to stand trial and he will be transferred to a remand prison before his next appearance in North Shore District Court later this month.

Police said they were seeking advice from the Solicitor-General as to whether Klein should face a murder or manslaughter charge.

Mr Gibson told the court Klein was pleading not guilty to the dangerous driving charge.

He said outside the court the cause of the crash was in dispute, as was Klein's condition while he was driving.

- NZPA