Crash driver awaits charges
BY MAIKE VAN DER HEIDE
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A Blenheim woman who allegedly crashed into an innocent driver after speeding off from a police checkpoint will not be charged for several weeks, police say.
Penelope Rae Phillips, 51, of Blenheim, was killed when 20-year-old Frances Stubbs allegedly crashed into her drivers'-side door on the roundabout between Nelson St and Hutcheson St at about 9.45pm on Friday.
Detective Richard Rolton, of Blenheim, said Miss Stubbs and several witnesses to the crash had been interviewed by police.
People who were at the police checkpoint had also been spoken to but Mr Rolton said he was still interested in hearing from anyone else who saw the crash.
"Because of the complexities of the crash, it will be some time before any charges are laid," Mr Rolton said.
The young woman had been stopped at a police checkpoint on Alfred St outside Blenheim School and breath-tested.
Police said she blew a positive result for alcohol and was asked to pull over for a second test, but she sped off. Mr Rolton said there was no police pursuit.
He said a police officer at the checkpoint got into his car to follow Miss Stubbs, but only saw her tail lights disappearing over the Taylor River Bridge as he turned into Hutcheson St. He then saw steam rising ahead from the crash scene, Mr Rolton said.
Miss Stubbs' father, Peter Stubbs, an associate at Lundons Law, said his daughter had only recently turned 20. He said she was very distressed and tearful.
"She accepts she's made a terrible decision.
"Our family is massively impacted ... This is a nightmare and I don't know how it will end."
Miss Stubbs was taken to Wairau Hospital with minor chest injuries.
Her mother, Sandra Stubbs, works as a nurse at the hospital.
Mr Stubbs said he was "horrified" the Government had not raised the alcohol purchase age from 18 to 20 and it was worrying how easily teenagers and young adults could access alcohol.
"They've put a loaded gun in kids' hands."
Mr Stubbs said his family extended their sympathies to Ms Phillips' family through police and would contact them personally if Ms Phillips' family wanted that.
Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer Dion Partridge said the brigade and St John ambulance crews were on hand very quickly.
He said Ms Phillips was cut from her car by firefighters within minutes, with St John staff on hand, but unfortunately nothing could be done to save her life.
- The Marlborough Express
