Driver who killed Taranaki sports star jailed

A drug-addled driver who killed a top Taranaki sportsman was jailed for two years in New Plymouth District Court today.

Judge Allan Roberts also suspended Richard Martin Burgess from driving for five years and ordered reparation of $2000 to be paid to the family of Kent Martin, the man he killed. Burgess had his licence suspended four times and has accumulated a large number of driving-related convictions since 1983.

On January 22, his driving caused the death of Waitara sportsman Mr Martin, and injured two others.

Burgess, 42, who was on methadone and cannabis, has been caught speeding since the crash.

He wept as he was sentenced. The court was told he smashed into a stationary car that was shunted into the path of Mr Martin's vehicle.

Burgess admitted driving under the influence of drugs causing death and careless use of a motor vehicle causing injury.

Mr Martin had played rugby league for Taranaki and a New Zealand age-group side.  

- NZPA