Police have charged two people following a fatal crash that claimed the lives of popular east Auckland couple David and Jill McArthur.
The artistic Golflands couple, who were aged in their 80s, died following a collision between the vehicle they were in and another car at about 2.42pm on May 31 last year in Botany.
One of their beloved pet dogs, Misty Rose, was killed in the crash on Botany Road also.
A police spokesperson says: “Police can confirm charges were laid in the latter months of last year over the fatality on Botany Road.
“Three charges have been laid under the Land Transport Act.
“A 17-year-old male is before the Manukau Youth Court on two charges of unnecessary exhibition of speed or acceleration causing death.
“A 21-year-old woman is before the Manukau District Court on a charge of operating a vehicle in a race or in unnecessary exhibition of speed or acceleration.
“She has pleaded guilty and will appear for sentencing in the Manukau District Court on May 21.”
The police spokesperson says the first and second charges carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison or a $20,000 fine if convicted.
The third charge carries maximum penalties of three months in prison or a $4500 fine if convicted.
As the Times reported last year, following their tragic deaths the McArthurs were remembered as kind-hearted people who always had time for others.
Their death notice in the NZ Herald newspaper described them as dearly loved parents, devoted grandparents, and “amazing artists, gardeners and respected members of their Botany community”.
They’d been married for 54 years.
