Key Takeaways:
- Daniel Rikiti was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment for dangerous driving causing death
- Rikiti had smashed his windscreen with a golf club earlier that evening and drove without braking, swerving, or slowing down, resulting in the death of pedestrian Richard Martin
- The court found that Rikiti’s decision to drive with a smashed windscreen was the main cause of the collision
- Martin’s family expressed their grief and trauma, with his partner Tanya Anderson forgiving Rikiti but emphasizing the need for accountability
- Rikiti was also disqualified from driving for three years and received discounts for his guilty plea, remorse, and the effect of incarceration on his young child
Introduction to the Case
The case of Daniel Rikiti, who was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment for dangerous driving causing death, is a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior. Rikiti had smashed his windscreen with a golf club earlier that evening and drove without braking, swerving, or slowing down, resulting in the death of pedestrian Richard Martin. The court found that Rikiti’s decision to drive with a smashed windscreen was the main cause of the collision, and that he had shown a blatant disregard for the safety of others on the road.
The Court’s Decision
The High Court quashed Rikiti’s original sentence and ordered a disputed facts hearing, which ultimately led to a resentencing in the Rotorua District Court. Judge Paul Geoghegan maintained that the main cause of the collision was Rikiti’s decision to drive with a smashed windscreen, and that it should have been "abundantly clear" to Rikiti that his vehicle was in no condition to be driven. The judge noted that Rikiti had consciously gotten into the vehicle, despite knowing that it was not roadworthy, and that he had shown a lack of common sense and a disregard for the law.
The Victim’s Family Speaks Out
Richard Martin’s partner, Tanya Anderson, spoke of the trauma and grief that she and their family have endured since the collision. She expressed her forgiveness towards Rikiti, but emphasized the need for accountability and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. Martin’s son also spoke of his grief and the ongoing loss for their wider whānau, but encouraged Rikiti to "upskill, educate yourself and build a future where you can be a great father to your daughter when you are released". The family’s statements highlighted the devastating impact of Rikiti’s actions on their lives and the importance of justice and accountability.
The Sentencing
Judge Geoghegan adopted a slightly reduced starting point for Rikiti’s sentence, having reflected that his actions that night were a little less serious than in a case relied on by the Crown. Rikiti received a 10% discount for his guilty plea, despite the Crown submitting that no discount was appropriate, given the defended hearing. He also received a 5% discount for remorse and a 10% discount for the effect of incarceration on his young child, for whom Rikiti is the primary caregiver. The resulting sentence was three months lower than his original sentence, at two years and nine months’ imprisonment. Rikiti was also disqualified from driving for three years.
Conclusion
The case of Daniel Rikiti serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior. The court’s decision to prioritize accountability and justice is a testament to the importance of upholding the law and protecting the safety of all road users. The statements from Martin’s family highlight the ongoing impact of Rikiti’s actions on their lives and the importance of forgiveness, accountability, and healing. As Rikiti serves his sentence, it is hoped that he will take the opportunity to reflect on his actions and work towards becoming a better person and a responsible member of society.
