<\/p>\n
\nPatrick Keusch appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Monday.
\nPhoto: POOL \/ Iain McGregor \/ The Press\n<\/p>\n
A Swiss national wiped away tears as he pleaded guilty to a careless driving charge following a fatal crash in Canterbury.<\/p>\n
A woman died following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 73 near Sheffield on 19 November.<\/p>\n
Patrick Keusch was arrested and charged with careless driving causing death, police confirmed the following day.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the 32-year-old appeared in the Christchurch District Court in front of community magistrate Sarah Steele.<\/p>\n
Defence lawyer Grant Fletcher entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client, who appeared teary-eyed on the stand.<\/p>\n
“Clearly this case is a terrible tragedy,” he said.<\/p>\n
Keusch’s bail conditions meant he was unable to leave the country to return home after he surrendered his passport.<\/p>\n
He is also disqualified from driving.<\/p>\n
The court heard he was willing to offer restorative justice, including emotional harm reparation payments to the woman’s West Coast-based family.<\/p>\n
Fletcher argued for getting restorative justice and a sentencing date finalised as quickly possible so Keusch could return home to resume his employment.<\/p>\n
“I’m very concerned for the defendant’s wellbeing,” he said.<\/p>\n
Keusch was due to be sentenced on 16 January.<\/p>\n