Man denies hit and run that killed elderly woman

Hit and run victim was just metres from her house. File photo

A man who allegedly crashed into and killed an elderly woman as she walked home from a card game has denied the charge against him.

North Shore resident Ronald Brett Salt, 44, came before Auckland District Court today where he pleaded not guilty to careless driving causing the death of Pera "Bella" Hotere.

The woman was allegedly struck by the vehicle on Ash St in Avondale just metres from her home on the evening of April 18.

Ms Hotere died at the scene.

Neighbours said at the time she had been on her way back from Avondale Racecourse where she had been playing housie.

"That was her outing, to go over to the racecourse and catch up with her friends and play housie," the neighbour said.

Ms Hotere had lived in her Avondale home for around 50 years, residents said, and was well known to neighbours who would frequently see her making her way over to her card games.

Police said the defendant was not travelling fast.

"The car was coming out of the Z station and hit her at low speed," Inspector Tony Wakelin said at the time.

Salt was remanded on bail to come back before the court next month.

The maximum penalty for careless driving causing death is three months in prison and/or a $4500 fine.