Wife's death worst sentence, court told

The consequences of a crash which killed an Otago man's wife as she rode pillion with him was far greater than any sentence which could be imposed, a court was told yesterday.

Murray David Anderson, 42, of Alexandra, was appearing in Alexandra District Court for sentencing on a charge of careless driving causing the death of Natalie Joy Anderson on September 5 last year, the Otago Daily Times reported.

She was a pillion passenger on the 1100cc Yamaha Virago motorcycle he had borrowed to ride in a motorcycle rally.

Anderson had only a learner licence which did not allow him to ride a motorcycle larger than 250cc, exceed 70km/h on an open road, or carry a passenger.

The couple failed to negotiate a corner and were thrown from the machine, Mrs Anderson suffering a fatal head injury.

Police prosecutor Tim Hambleton said the consequences of the crash were far greater than any sentence that could be imposed.

Anderson admitted the charge and was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for nine months.

"The penalty cannot and must not be equated to the value of the life lost," Judge John Macdonald said.

- NZPA