Driver admits hitting ex-cop
A Wellington woman failed to see retired policeman Aporo Joyce on a pedestrian crossing, hitting him then running him over, coming to a stop on top of him.
Alison Ngaire Cooper, 76, pleaded guilty yesterday to careless use of a motor vehicle on Main Rd, Tawa, Wellington, on June 21 and causing 79-year-old Joyce’s death.
Police prosecutor Mike Craig said Joyce had just stepped on to the pedestrian crossing about 6pm. The front of Cooper’s car hit him, throwing him forward on to the road. She ran over him before coming to a stop. Joyce died of his injuries at the scene.
Craig said the road was dry and there was street lighting at the scene.
Cooper told the police she had not seen Joyce and he had just stepped out.
Porirua District Court judge James Johnston remanded her until December for sentencing.
Cooper’s lawyer Elizabeth Hall said her client was willing to go to a restorative justice meeting with Joyce’s family, but was also aware that feelings were raw and intense.
Joyce’s wife of 50 years, Brenda, had said he was a ‘‘no-nonsense man’’ who grew the most incredible sunflowers.
She had been thinking about his upcoming 80th birthday.
Joyce, from the Nga¯ Puhi iwi, was well known in Porirua for both his policing work and his community spirit.
Known as ‘‘Ap’’ or ‘‘Koro Ap’’ by his family, he could relate to any ethnic group, his wife said.
The couple met when Joyce was stationed in Cyprus.
Joyce started his police career in Auckland before being transferred to Wellington, where he was a member of the armed offenders squad and dog squad.
He chose to be stationed in Waitangirua, then Cannons Creek, where he focused on helping the area’s young people.