Prison error funds crash reparations

A DUNEDIN man who was left with a $15,000 bill after smashing into two cars can pay it immediately thanks to a Justice Ministry error.

Zachary James David Ledgerwood (27) was one of a number of prisoners around the country left with a ‘‘significant sum’’ in a trust account after he was kept in prison beyond his release date due to a miscalculation of his sentence.

It came in handy following an August 30 incident when the defendant was driving his Nissan up London St.

Ledgerwood, on a restricted licence in the unregistered and unwarranted vehicle, reached the top of the incline where the road meets Stuart St and lost control.

He later told police he swerved to avoid ‘‘an animal’’.

Ledgerwood slammed into the rear of a parked Toyota, shunting it 3m on to the footpath. His momentum caused him to plough into the car parked in front too. That BMW convertible was also pushed on to the pavement.

Ledgerwood and his girlfriend, in the passenger seat, got out of the car and left before police arrived.

As the car was registered in the woman’s name, an officer called her to inquire about the incident.

Ledgerwood admitted being the driver and said he had not been drinking, before ending the call when asked where he was.

Police got hold of him again a week later when he offered the explanation about the animal on the road. The defendant said he hung up on police because he was ‘‘stressed and concerned’’ about his partner.

He later pleaded guilty to careless driving.

Defence counsel Deborah Henderson told the court about Ledgerwood’s payout from the Ministry of Justice.

She was reluctant to specify the total amount in court but confirmed it would cover the extensive damage to the two cars, one of which had been written off.

The court heard Ledgerwood had a 4weekold child and wanted a fresh start.

Judge John Macdonald ordered reparation totalling $15,415 and disqualified him from driving for six months.

That ban would begin on January 24 next year because Ledgerwood was also convicted of driving while suspended on October 25 — a day after a suspension (for excess demerit points) had begun.

When stopped by police in Great King St he said he had gone to KFC to get dinner for his girlfriend.