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Is a life really worth it? It’s a question Counties Manukau Police say they’re putting to antisocial road users after an Auckland man’s sentencing over a pregnant woman losing her baby when she was struck in May 2023.
Police say they began investigating the illegal street racing event on May 19, 2023, in the East Tamaki area.
“Today [July 2], a 24-year-old man was sentenced in the Manukau District Court to two years and four months imprisonment for manslaughter, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.”
The man has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months, police say, and for legal reasons he cannot be named at this stage.
“The events of that night were a tragedy for everyone concerned,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, the Counties Manukau East Police area investigations manager.
“The man took part in illegal street racing that was occurring in East Tamaki that night.
“While racing on a public road, he struck a pregnant spectator, seriously injuring her and forcing emergency surgical procedures to be carried out.
“Her young baby sustained such catastrophic injuries that she barely even stood a chance at life and did not survive the day.”
Baby Sativa would have celebrated her second birthday earlier this year, police say.
They’re now sending a strong message to antisocial road users.
Batey says police and the wider community will not tolerate such blatant disregard for others around them.
“A lot of this behaviour ends up as merely a momentary rush of glory on social media or amongst peers.
“The reality is that the driving taking place on public roads is putting participants, spectators and innocent members of the public at real risk.
“I put this question to those taking part: Is a life really worth it?”
Police say they will continue to carry out disruptive and enforcement activities in response to antisocial behaviour on the roads.
They say anyone who witnesses an offence taking place should contact the police on 111 as soon as possible. Further information can also be reported online or by calling 105.
