The man left the crash scene after a witness noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath was “overwhelming”.
Police estimate Sunny Mikaiera Nepia, 30, was driving well above the 100km / h speed limit along Marshland Rd and at 117km / h when his utility vehicle hit Rachael Florence Harris’ car at the intersection of Mairehau Rd.
Harris, described as a “kind-hearted” woman, died on impact.
Nepia today admitted a charge of dangerous driving that caused the death. He also stood trial on a charge that he did not stop at the accident and provide assistance because he left the scene.
However, the complaint was later withdrawn because it was clear Nepia and his passenger had stopped and checked – along with other members of the public – but found that the accident victim could not be helped.
The Crown said Nepia accelerated to overtake a vehicle on Marshland Rd and nearly collided with it where the lanes merged. He continued at well over the 100kmh speed limit as he approached the red traffic facing him at Mairehau Rd.
Rachel Harris entered the intersection at a green light at 27kmh.
Nepia’s car drove at 124kmh before braking to 117kmh at impact. Rachel Harris’ car was pushed 33m along the road and down to the road where it came to a stop.
Nepia and his passenger got out, and the passenger looked at the other driver, who died with impact.
Both Nepia and the passenger approached a member of the public who showed up at the crash. They showed signs of panic, excitement and distress. They booked to flee the area but were discouraged by the member of the public.
The witness thought they might be using drugs because of the way they behaved. They smell strongly of alcohol and Nepia was obscuring his words.
They asked another witness for a ride-sharing opportunity, which led to “a physical altercation”, and then ran from the crash scene before emergency services arrived.
One witness described the smell of alcohol on the breath of Nepia and his passenger as “overwhelming”.
Nepia was found at his home two days later, too late to perform breath testing procedures.
Nepia told police he was unsure about the color of the traffic light, and he ate three premixed bourbon drinks before the accident.
Following Nepia’s guilty plea in Christchurch District Court, Judge Jane McMeekan sentenced him to 15 September on bail. She asked for a pre-sentence report with an assessment of his suitability for home detention. She also referred to a case for a possible restorative justice meeting between Nepia and the victim’s family.
– By David Clarkson
Open Justice multimedia journalist, Christchurch