Young woman admits charge of drink-driving causing death

Penelope Phillips with her grandson Deklin McKenzie, and the scene of the crash in Blenheim in March. Photos / Supplied, Tim Cuff

Blenheim woman Frances Stubbs has pleaded guilty to driving with excess blood alcohol causing death.

Stubbs, who appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday, was the driver of a car that fled a police checkpoint and then crashed into a vehicle driven by Penelope Phillips, who was killed.

The accident happened on a roundabout about 9.45pm on March 19 and evidence was given that Stubbs' blood alcohol level was 120mg per 100ml of blood, 40mg over the legal limit.

Stubbs, who was 20 at the time of the accident, has been remanded at large and will be sentenced on August 17. She could face up to five years in prison, or a fine of up to $20,000.

In March Penelope Phillips' family told the Marlborough Express that a review of police procedure at checkpoints was needed.

Brad Phillips, 30, Ms Phillips' eldest son, said a driver's keys should automatically be removed from their vehicle if they failed a preliminary breath test.

"It's not to say everyone is going to be over the limit; it's just a precaution to stop people doing a runner," said Mr Phillips.

"It doesn't just save innocent people, it also saves [the police]."

Stubbs' father, Peter, has previously spoken of his daughter's actions that night, describing the decision to flee as a "brain explosion".

"We're hugely sorry about the whole event and the massive impact it's going to have on the family. It's hugely depressing and sad all round for them and for us, and we're just so sorry that they've lost their loved one. Whatever happens, whatever the result is, she's got a lifetime of thinking about this. It's like a life sentence."