Heavy rain and a lapse of concentration were to blame for a 41-year-old man crashing his truck into a power pole and a hedge, says his defence lawyer.
Malcolm Cochrane, of Blenheim, appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday and admitted a charge of careless driving. He was fined $300 but was not disqualified from driving.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said Cochrane was driving north on State Highway 1 about 6am on November 21, in heavy rain.
He veered off the right-hand side of the road, hitting a power pole and a hedge.
Cochrane told police he had a lapse of concentration, Mr Single said.
Defence lawyer Matthew Marshall said Cochrane felt the truck veering to the right and tried to correct it by veering left.
Since the incident, Cochrane – who drove up to 80,000 kilometres a year – had completed a Master Drive Course, during which no issues were raised about his driving abilities, Mr Marshall said.
Threat to kill
Running out of alcohol and cigarettes was the catalyst for a Picton man to assault and threaten to kill a woman, police say.
Ronald George Bain, 38, admitted charges of assault, threatening to kill and intentional damage and was sentenced to four months' imprisonment when he appeared in court yesterday.
Mr Single said Bain was drinking at home about 9.40pm on October 10, and became angry because he had run out of alcohol and cigarettes.
Bain threw a television remote control on the ground, breaking it, then pushed the 46-year-old woman he was living with, causing her to fall against a wall.
He then pushed a large pot plant belonging to the woman on to the ground, breaking it, Mr Single said.
Bain then took a knife from the kitchen and pointed it at the woman. He told her not to call the police or he would kill her before they arrived.
The woman escaped by telling Bain she would go out to buy cigarettes. She went to the police instead.
Other charges
Johnny Peter Materoa, 17, a vineyard worker of Blenheim, admitted charges of possessing a weapon (a hammer) and threatening to injure, and was sentenced to eight months' supervision.
Anthony John Searles, 28, of Seddon, admitted driving while disqualified. He was disqualified for six months and ordered not to own a motor vehicle for one year.
Adrian William Small, 27, of Picton, admitted disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence and resisting police, and was fined $150.
Michael Clarence Ranson, 41, unemployed of Christchurch, admitted harassing a woman with intent to cause her to fear for her safety. He will be sentenced in the Christchurch District Court on February 21.
Cee Jay Miria Joyce, 17, unemployed, of Blenheim, admitted possessing equipment to take a car, possessing cannabis and assault, and was sentenced to nine months' supervision. She was also convicted and discharged for breaching a liquor ban.
Luke Anthony Beattie, 17, a kitchenhand of Blenheim, admitted the theft of electrical items valued at $1500 and was sentenced to eight months' supervision.
Martyn Roy Buckley, 42, a factory worker of Blenheim, admitted driving with a sustained loss of traction, and was fined $500 and disqualified for six months.
Lynda Mary Dunlop, 36, of Havelock, admitted using insulting words in public and was convicted and discharged.
Peter Arthur Thomas, 65, a labourer of Blenheim, admitting assaulting a female. He was sentenced to eight months' supervision and ordered to undertake a stopping violence course.
Mitchell Declan Watson, 17, unemployed, of Blenheim, admitted burglary and wilful trespass and was sentenced to six months' supervision. He was also convicted and discharged for breaching bail.
Jose Domingo Guzman Carmona, 28, of Grovetown, admitted careless driving and was ordered to pay reparation of $3789.
Taniora Mania Skipper, 22, a vineyard worker of Blenheim, admitted possession of utensils to smoke cannabis, and was sentenced to 60 hours' community work.
- The Marlborough Express
Last updated 12:49 01/02/2011
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