Driver in fatal car crash to stand trial

A man accused of causing the crash which killed a Taranaki teenager has pleaded not guilty.

The 37-year-old man, of Waitara, appeared in the New Plymouth District Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death, possession of cannabis, possession of utensils to smoke methamphetamine and refusing to give a blood sample.

The charges relate to an August 28 crash on State Highway 3, which claimed the life of the 18-year-old female driving the other vehicle. Her name was Olivia Renee Keightley-Trigg.

The accused, who has had interim name suppression since being arrested, has elected trial by jury.

Defence lawyer Paul Keegan asked that a further interim name suppression order be made as publication of his client’s details would put his right to a fair trial at risk.

This was opposed by police and Keightley-Trigg’s family who were in court and visibly upset at times.

Detective Sergeant Dave MacKenzie said fair trial rights for the accused could be mitigated in other ways.

Judge Garry Barkle was not persuaded by Keegan’s argument and declined to grant the interim order.

However, Keegan indicated the decision would be appealed and an interim suppression order was reimposed. The man was remanded into custody to reappear on November 22.