Man guilty of careless driving in partner's death

A man whose former partner died after she clung to his car bumper while he drove down the road has been found guilty of careless driving causing her death.

Bryce Williams, 32, was last night acquitted of reckless driving causing the death of 35-year-old Rosslene White in Levin two years ago, but found guilty of the lesser charge, the Manawatu Standard reported.

The couple had an argument about 2am on July 17, 2007, after which Williams announced the end of the relationship and left the house, the jury at the Palmerston North District Court was told.

He drove off in his car with Ms White standing on the bumper and holding onto the roof racks, crying and pleading for him to stop.

After nearly a kilometre of travelling at about 20km/h, Ms White fell and hit her head on the road on Liverpool Street.

She died later in Palmerston North Hospital.

Defence lawyer Tony Rickard-Simms told the court Williams was scared after Ms White's son, Anaru White, intervened in the couple's argument with a gun and a knife.

Mr Rickard-Simms said Williams tried to persuade Ms White to let go of the car several times.

Crown prosecutor Shannon Johnston said Williams did not exercise a standard of care expected of a reasonable and prudent driver.

"He could have stopped, he could have walked away, he chose not to."

Outside court last night, Ms White's five children, aged 9, 14, 17, 19 and 20, said they expected a harsher outcome.

Daughter Melanie Taiapa, 20, said she hoped Williams would spend at least two years in jail.

Williams was remanded on bail until his August 25 sentencing.

- NZPA