Second death-causing driver avoids jail time

Photo / APN

The second young South Island woman within a week to admit dangerous driving causing death has avoided jail.

Jessica Gwen McNelis, 22, of Cape Foulwind, yesterday admitted in the Westport District Court causing the death of Westport man James Hill, 21, in a hit-and-run in February.

Judge Emma Smith sentenced McNelis to eight months' home detention, nine months' supervision and disqualified her from driving for 18 months.

The sentence covered several charges, including failure to stop and ascertain injury and careless driving causing death in relation to the February hit-and-run, plus previous charges of excess breath alcohol, common assault and a community work breach.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Harris said that on February 5, McNelis was socialising with friends in Westport.

She drove a white Mercedes Benz, owned by her boyfriend's mother, to a hotel and had several drinks. About 3am, McNelis drove to a Peel St home and continued socialising with a small group.

Mr Hill was also at the gathering. He had been drinking at the same hotel as McNelis and left the party alone in an intoxicated state.

McNelis left the party to look for her boyfriend and drove into Rintoul St, where Mr Hill was lying on his back in the road, near an intersection.

"She drove over the victim, causing massive head injuries and his instantaneous death," Mr Harris said. McNelis did not stop and made no attempt to contact emergency services despite having a cellphone with her. She drove to a friend's house, arriving about 5.30am, and told them what had happened.

McNelis that day went to the police of her own volition, telling them she had seen something on the road but was unable to stop.

"She went on to say she panicked and continued driving," Mr Harris said.

Lawyer Doug Taffs said his client was remorseful.

On Tuesday, Blenheim woman Frances Carol Stubbs, 20, was sentenced in the Blenheim District Court to eight months' home detention after admitting driving with excess blood alcohol and causing death.

- NZPA