Injured tourist angry at crash acquittal

A German tourist is ‘‘disappointed’’ in New Zealand’s justice system after a crash left him with missing teeth and a bone visible through an open leg wound – and no-one being held responsible.

Meinolf Kleinschnittger, his friend Andreas Chollee and another cyclist from their 17-strong bus and cycle touring group decided to bike to Queenstown from Cardrona on January 16, 2016.

Thirty minutes into their journey, Kleinschnittger noticed a motorcyclist on Cardrona Valley Rd had lost control and was sliding at high speed towards the road guard rail.

The 58-year-old recalled changing lanes, but found himself on the road with his bike smashed into three parts and people looking for his three missing teeth.

Kleinschnittger was appalled the man charged over the crash, Dunedin man Jason Waghorn, was acquitted of careless driving causing injury in the Queenstown District Court on July 4.

The crash still loomed over his life as he had to visit dentists after frequent infections, while Chollee’s left hand had not regained full movement.

He said he had not been contacted to be a witness from Germany, nor contacted about the acquittal until a month after the court date.

‘‘I’m really disappointed about the outcome from police officers’ engagement and the poor result at court.’’

Not receiving an apology from Waghorn was an ‘‘additional pain’’ for Kleinschnittger.

A police spokeswoman said victims were not required to give evidence.

‘‘In cases such as these it is the decision of the prosecutor in regard to who is called to give evidence.’’

The victims had been emailed an update, she said.

‘‘However, due to staff being on leave we acknowledge this did not happen as quickly as it should have done.

‘‘We acknowledge the distress an incident like this causes victims and we make every possible effort to communicate promptly with victims during the court process.’’

Waghorn, 47, has said he had come across the group of cyclists, with one near the centre line, as he rounded the bend.

Crash analysis showed he was travelling too fast, then braked suddenly, the Otago Daily Times reported.

His lawyer argued that was based on assumptions.

PHOTO: ROSS GIBLIN\STUFF Gareth Morgan launches his election campaign for The Opportunities Party, with candidates, in Wellington yesterday.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED German cyclists Meinolf Kleinschnittger, left, and Andreas Chollee were hit by a motorcycle while holidaying in New Zealand in January, last year.