April 26, 2013

Man admits aiding drink-driving that led to crash

By Anne Clarkson. A 22-year-old who allowed a drunk friend to drive his car admitted a charge of aiding and abetting someone driving under the influence of alcohol, after the car crashed and the friend died.

Benjamin Peter Beazley spent an evening with Tarrin Kayne Alderson celebrating his 18th birthday by drinking and driving around with a sober driver.

But when they were dropped off at Beazley?s address Alderson and Beazley decided to drive to Rangiora.

Beazley allowed Alderson to drive, and after filling up with petrol in Kaiapoi they went onto Flaxton Road where the crash occurred.

About 1.45am on May 25, 2012, Alderson veered left on to a grass shoulder, over-corrected and went into a spin, hitting a concrete power pole.

Beazley was the only one wearing a seat belt and received neck and shoulder injuries, and told police he let Alderson drive as Beazley was pretty drunk and didn?t drive intoxicated.

He has admitted a charge of abetting Tarrin Kayne Alderson by allowing him to drive a motor vehicle on Flaxton Road while he was under the influence of drink to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.

In the Christchurch District Court Judge Christopher Somerville remanded Beazley on bail to July 5 for sentencing, and ordered a pre-sentence report including a report on his suitability for a community or home detention sentence, and an emotional harm reparation report.

Beazley is not allowed to drive while on bail.

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