Teen admits killing boy

Ashley David Austin pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

Nayan Woods

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A teen whose car slid out of control, killing a four-year-old boy and injuring his brother and mother, has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

Ashley David Austin, 18, a shop assistant, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Nayan Woods, aged 4, who was struck when Austin's vehicle mounted the footpath while he was walking home with his family in May this year.

Austin was also charged with dangerous driving causing injury to both Jacob, Nayan's brother, aged 6, and Nayan's mother Emma.

He was also charged with operating a modified vehicle that was not certified and operating it on a road when it was liable to cause injury to a person. 

A statement of facts released today said witnesses described the movement of Austin's car as a "controlled drift".

Austin said that he was just trying to keep up with the speed limit in first gear, and while changing into second gear at high revolutions, his wheels spun up and kicked out.

He felt he was too quick with the clutch and the road was wet, and it was not his everyday type of driving.

He was not speeding and was not under the influence of alcohol.

The vehicle inspector's report showed Austin's car had been modified suspension "only suitable for a controlled environment like a race track".

It was found the car's modifications had "compromised the safety" of the vehicle. 

Defence counsel Jonathan Eaton submitted that his client's "drifting" was not deliberate and he asked that this be taken into account during sentencing.

He was remanded on bail until October 2.

- © Fairfax NZ News