Tourist driver admits causing girl's death

Ruby Marris died at the scene. Photo / supplied

A Chinese tourist has admitted causing the death of Oamaru 5-year-old Ruby Jay Marris.

Jing Cao, 32, of China, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Ruby and five charges of dangerous driving causing injury when he appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Dunedin District Court today.

Jing Cao. Photo / ODT

Cao made a "terrible mistake'' and veered into the right hand lane on Stage Highway 1 after visiting the Moeraki Boulders with his family on February 21, the court heard.

Soon after crossing the centre line Cao drove over a brow in the road and saw the Marris' family's vehicle coming towards him. The drivers of both vehicles attempted to avoid the collision but veered in the same direction and collided head on.

The Marris family (L-R): Georgia Marris, Sophie Marris, Kimberley Marris, Ruby Marris, and Tristan Marris.

Ruby died at the scene and her parents, Tristan and Kimberly, suffered serious injuries from the crash.

Ruby's sisters, Georgia, 9, and Sophie, 7, were also passengers in the car and sustained moderate injuries.

Cao's driving also caused serious injuries to his 60-year-old mother, who was a passenger in his rented four-wheel drive Ford Ranger.

Cao was remanded on bail and will reappear in the court for sentencing on June 9.