Fatal crash leads to manslaughter charge

Charges have today been laid following the death of a 69-year-old woman in a road crash in Otaki on Saturday, 30 October.

Shelagh Cotter, from Te Horo, was killed when a blue Subaru Legacy stationwagon crashed into her stationary Honda which was parked on a grass verge in Old Hautere Road. She and a friend, 62-year-old Marilyn Jeffery were having a cup of coffee after visiting a local garden event.

Since the crash Police have been carrying out a detailed investigation into the circumstances.

This morning a 37-year-old man from Upper Hutt attended Levin Police station with his solicitor where he was arrested and charged with manslaughter (in relation to Mrs Cotter) and Driving with Excess Breath/Blood Alcohol causing death (in relation to Mrs Jeffery).

He will appear at Levin District Court this morning.