Tourist convicted over son's death in crash

An overseas tourist has admitted causing the death of his six-year-old son in a North Canterbury car crash on Monday night.

The 39-year-old company owner pleaded guilty in Rangiora District Court yesterday to a charge of careless driving causing death on State Highway 7, near Waikari, The Press newspaper reported today.

The Indian man was supported in court by family members who had flown to New Zealand after the crash and members of Christchurch's Indian community.

He told police he may have fallen asleep at the wheel of the car while driving back to Christchurch after a day trip to Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs.

Judge Gary MacAskill convicted and fined the man $750 and disqualified him from driving for six months.

His name was suppressed until 4pm on June 2 to give him time to inform his extended family of his son's death.

Refusing an application for permanent suppression, the judge said the man's interests were outweighed by the principles of open justice and the right of the New Zealand media to publish his name.

The man's wife and two children are still in hospital with serious injuries.

- NZPA