Recidivist drink-driver smashed pedestrian on to rocks
A Christchurch repeat drinkdriver Sarah Jane Arrow could face prison time for hitting two pedestrians – one onto rocks – as they walked in Redcliffs.
One of the victims, Ben Appleton, was in the Christchurch District Court when Judge Alistair Garland delayed the Sumner 45-year-old’s sentencing until September so police and the defence could prepare submissions.
The crash, in March, was the fourth time Arrow was caught drink-driving.
She told police she drank two glasses of wine before driving and had the sun in her eyes. Her breath test at the scene indicated a level of 1009mcg of alcohol per litre of breath.
Judge Garland said the offence carried a maximum of five years’ imprisonment.
He told the court that he had looked up sentencing authorities and found that sentences imposed ranged from 31⁄ years’ jail downwards.
‘‘These are serious charges and they require careful consideration by the court, not just for your sake, but also for the sake of the victim and the community,’’ the judge told Arrow.
She pleaded guilty in May to drink-driving causing injury and to driving in breach of a zero-alcohol licence imposed on January 20.
Members of the public called police about her swerving as she drove about 2.15pm on March 25.
She failed to take a corner and struck a roadside barrier, which threw a couple off a 2-metre bank.
Appleton landed on the rocks below. He suffered extensive breaks to both legs, an extensive skull fracture, broken ribs and internal injuries.
His girlfriend was thrown into a bush. She received minor bruises and scratches.
‘‘[My girlfriend] saw me lying there on the rocks and thought I died . . . it was terrible for her,’’ Appleton said in earlier interview.
His injuries required ongoing treatment and surgery. He still could not walk seven weeks after the crash.
Judge Garland remanded Arrow on renewed bail for the submissions to be prepared for sentencing on September 28.