Work sentence imposed on fatal driving charge

Press, 9 November 1983, Page 4

Work sentence imposed on fatal driving charge

Dunedin PA A teen-ager whose careless driving while under the influence of liquor caused the death of another motorist has been sentenced to 150 hours community service.

Darren Williams Falconer was also disqualified from driving for a year, and was told by Judge Jamieson in the District Court at Dunedin to get rid of his powerful vehicle and buy a smaller, less-powerful car. Falconer, aged 18, a plant operator, was charged with causing the death of George James Wilson Gibson by

carelessly using a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The accident happened when Falconer, driving west on State highway 87 near Outram at about 85km/h, drifted to the other side of the road. Mr Gibson was the driver of an approaching vehicle travelling at about 75km/h. Mr Gibson was killed instantly. His wife who was in the front seat and another woman who was in the back were injured. A sample of Falconer’s blood showed a level of 102 mg of alcohol.

For Falconer, Mr M. R. D. Guest said his client was deeply shocked at the incident and was almost a “little disturbed” about it.

Falconer has not touched alcohol outside of the home or when driving since the accident.

The Judge said Falconer was too inexperienced to drive the high-powered vehicle he had been using on the night of the accident. He advised him to get rid of the vehicle and get something smaller and less powerful.