Three to stand trial

Three men facing serious charges in relation to the death of a young Nelson man in a high-speed crash, when cars were allegedly racing, have been committed to stand trial.

Ralph Karl Nathanael Bastian, 21, of Richmond, faces a charge of the manslaughter of Aaron Wayne Chalmers-Hill and a charge of dangerous driving causing injury.

Bastian is scheduled to appear in the High Court at Nelson for a callover on February 2.

Mr Chalmers-Hill, 21, was killed when he lost control of his car and crashed over a bank while overtaking another car near Sunrise Valley Rd at Upper Moutere on June 28. His passenger Sean Robert Mortimer, 19, was seriously injured.

Police have said both cars were travelling at well in excess of the speed limit. A third car was some distance behind.

Jacob Daniel Baird, 22, and Carl John Kempton, 18, who were the driver and the passenger of the third car, have been committed to stand trial in the Nelson District Court. Their case will next be called on February 17.

Baird and Kempton each face one charge of counselling and inciting Mr Chalmers-Hill to operate a motor vehicle in a race, one charge of inciting, counselling and inciting Bastian to race, and charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Baird also faces a separate charge of driving while disqualified.

- © Fairfax NZ News