The driver of the car involved in the crash on Maungatapu Bridge that killed Tauranga electrician Greg Woledge has been sentenced to community work and ordered to pay more than $49,000 to victims.
Iain Crisp, 45, from Papamoa, appeared for sentencing in Tauranga District Court today after earlier pleading guilty to careless driving causing the death of 24-year-old Woledge, who was driving the AMP'T Electrical van that plunged off the bridge into the harbour on August 12 last year.
SENTENCED: Iain Crisp in Tauranga District Court.
.jpg)
VICTIM: Greg Woledge died in the crash on Maungatapu Bridge.
Crisp also previously admitted to careless driving causing injury to the passenger of the AMP'T van Ashley Donkersley, falsifying his logbook as a bus driver, possession of cannabis for supply and possession of cannabis seeds and utensils.
Crisp was driving the Mitsubishi towards Mount Maunganui when he crossed the centreline hitting the electrical van driven by Greg about 6.10pm. The van then ploughed through the bridge railing and fell five metres into the harbour at Rangataua Bay.
Passenger Ashley Donkersley, then 23, managed to escape after the van became submerged and was rescued by Constable Deane O'Connor, who stripped to his underwear and dived in and grabbed him. Both were suffering from hypothermia by the time they reached shore.
Greg however was trapped inside the van on the driver's side and was unable to be rescued. His body remained in the van and was recovered the following day when the vehicle was lifted from the water by crane.
In court today Crisp was sentenced to 250 hours community work and ordered to pay $29,000 in emotional harm to the Greg Woledge Trust on the charge of careless driving causing death. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months from today.
On the charge of careless driving causing injury to Ashley Donkersley Judge Christopher Harding sentenced Crisp to 200 hours community work and ordered to pay $9000 in emotional harm to the victim.
In addition he is ordered to pay $11,000 to the driver of the third vehicle involved in the crash for damage to the vehicle, and a total of $16,134 for damage done to the bridge.
On the cannabis charges Crisp will serve a total of 100 hours community work.
Full report soon on SunLive.
10 comments
Poor Guy
Posted on 07-04-2014 13:11 | By Jimmy
Has to live with the thoughts of what he's done for the rest of his life, that in itself could easily eat someone from the inside out and is worse than jail in some cases.
Disgusting
Posted on 07-04-2014 13:49 | By NZgirl
Kill a harmless individual minding their own business and all you get is a rap on the knuckles. As for the $49,000 that will most likely be paid at the rate of $5 per week. The poor family of the guy that died must be devastated.
Sad
Posted on 07-04-2014 14:58 | By HappyBay
I have heard, as you do, that this man is really broken up over what happened. Who would want this on their conscious, want to trade places? Any penalty would be beside the point to a decent person.
I agree with disgusting
Posted on 07-04-2014 15:00 | By vonnie
just because you plead guilty gets you 'to pass go' the $49.000 is just a drop in the bucket for what he has put these innocent people through and please, don't call him a 'poor guy' for what he has to live with for the rest of his life....Greg doesn't have that privilege
Had Enough
Posted on 07-04-2014 16:16 | By Irate Pensioner
In relation to the head on accident on Maungatapu Bridge how did the judge come to the conclusion that a life is only worth $29.000 and a few hours of community work. The offender should have had his license cancelled for at least 10 years and a minimum of 5 years imprisonment.Not handed a wet bus ticket.These judges must have an endless supply of them with the pathetic sentences they impose.
I Agree with NZgirl - Disgusting!
Posted on 07-04-2014 16:23 | By SML
Poor family, and the son who will never know his father. Sentences aren't nearly sufficient - and it looks like you can kill an innocent motorist and buy your way out of it. Just terrible!
Disgrace
Posted on 07-04-2014 17:01 | By sangrae
He should not be allowed to pay this of weekly ,it should be paid in full within a reasonable periood (like end of month)or go to jail.
@NZGirl
Posted on 07-04-2014 17:57 | By morepork
I understand your annoyance; we are seeing too many bad sentences recently. However, I don't believe this is one of them. There was no malicious intent and what happened was a tragic accident. You can argue it could have been avoided but most "accidents" can be avoided - in some parts of the world foreigners are ALWAYS to blame in an accident because if they hadn't been there it wouldn't have happened... The man concerned is making reparations but it will never bring the young man back. Neither would putting him in jail. I believe he must carry the responsibility for what happened and I think he will, for the rest of his life.
mobile phone users
Posted on 07-04-2014 19:11 | By yikes61
I dont know what distracted the driver to cross the road but I follow people on their phones who are all over the place. So for those who flout the law and still use your phone for conversation or texting, think, you could cross the road and kill an innocent person SO DONT DO IT!
There is no equitable outcome folks
Posted on 07-04-2014 23:07 | By FunandGames
It happened without malice or the influence of drugs etc. Who hasn't made an error. Yes he needs to be held to accountbut there will never be a resolution
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.