Swiss national Patrick Keusch appeared emotional in the Christchurch District Court as he pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving causing death following a fatal crash in Canterbury. Reported by Stuff.
The incident occurred on November 19 on State Highway 73 near Sheffield, where a woman died after a two-vehicle collision. Police arrested Keusch the following day.
The 32-year-old appeared before community magistrate Sarah Steele on Monday. His defence lawyer, Grant Fletcher, entered the guilty plea on his behalf as Keusch stood visibly teary-eyed.
Fletcher described the incident as deeply tragic, stating, "Clearly this case is a terrible tragedy."
Keusch has remained in New Zealand under bail conditions that prevent him from returning home, as he has surrendered his passport. He is also currently disqualified from driving.
During the hearing, the court was told that Keusch is willing to participate in restorative justice, including offering emotional harm reparation payments to the victim’s family, who live on the West Coast.
Fletcher requested that the restorative justice process and sentencing date be arranged as soon as possible so that Keusch could resume his employment overseas. "I'm very concerned for the defendant's wellbeing," he added.
Keusch is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16.
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