Port Hills double-tragedy: Driver accused of dangerous driving causing death appears in court

Sisters Tayla (left) and Sunmara Alexander. Photo / Supplied

A teenage driver has appeared in court accused of killing two sisters who were passengers in his car.

The 19-year-old has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death, as well as dangerous driving causing injury and driving without the appropriate licence.

Defence counsel Andrew McCormick said it was the accused's first court appearance at Christchurch District Court this morning and asked for a remand without plea.

Jason Alexander, with partner Lisa Campbell. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Interim name suppression, granted before today, was continued by Judge Quentin Hicks who said the issue would have to be argued in full at the accused's next court appearance on July 2.

Tayla Alexander, 17, died and her sister Sunmara, 16, suffered critical injuries in the crash on Summit Rd in Christchurch on November 27 last year.

Sunmara, an Ashburton College student, died later in hospital on December 13 on her 16th birthday. She had suffered extensive burns and the battle to save her had meant multiple amputations due to infections.

Outside court, the girls' father Jason Alexander said being in court this morning was hard because it "brought everything back".

"I just want justice done for my two daughters and make sure this doesn't happen again to any other family. It's tragic. I miss them so much."

Since the tragedy, work has been done to try and improve safety on the Port Hills roads, which Alexander welcomed, although he couldn't help feel that his daughters had been used as "martyrs".

"This was a devastating event and a tragic reminder to all drivers of the need to drive safely and to the conditions," said Superintendent Lane Todd, Canterbury Metro Area Commander.

"Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Tayla and Sunmara as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones."

The sisters' father Jason Alexander has told the Herald his last words to his only children were: "I love you and be good."

He had left the family's Ashburton home to see his partner.

The girls then sneaked out of the house and headed toward Christchurch.

Alexander had raised his daughters on his own since their mother moved to Australia 11 years prior.

He said the sisters were extremely close but had different personalities.

Tayla, who was studying art, was a "kind and gentle soul", who put others before herself.

"She wanted to be a psychologist to help people. She was very strong, caring and loving."

Her younger sister was a "ratbag in a good way".

"She is fun-loving and full of energy. She would wag school and get caught because she would call Pizza Hut and get it delivered to the domain across the road from school. Her goal was to make lots of money. She had just started working at Countdown."

After Sunmara died, the grieving father thanked everyone for their support on his Facebook page.

"It is truly what's kept me going, quite often when I'm feeling really down and start losing my strength I grab my ph and read all msgs you have sent us and it has picked me up again."