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RNZ News
3 days ago
- RNZ News
'Honorary' Filthy Few member Mark Kimber sentenced for the manslaughter of Tauranga pedestrians Geoffrey and Karen Boucher
By Hannah Bartlett, Open Justice reporter of Mark Gregory Kimber was found guilty by a jury on manslaughter charges after he hit pedestrians Karen and Geoffrey Boucher with his motorbike. Photo: Open Justice The rider of a Harley Davidson motorcycle who hit and killed two pedestrians had 70 driving infringements, as well as 11 previous convictions for bad driving. Karen and Geoffrey Boucher were heading home on foot, after dinner at The Orchard, when they crossed State Highway 2 near Bethlehem on 22 July 2022. Seconds later, they were struck by Mark Gregory Kimber, who was speeding through the intersection and did not see them in time. His brake lights were seen to come on just before he collided with the Bouchers, sending Karen Boucher flying through the air and dragging Geoffrey Boucher under the bike. They both died at the scene. Karen and Geoffrey Boucher were crossing State Highway 2 in July 2022 when they were hit and killed by a motorcycle. Photo: Open Justice The central question at trial was whether Kimber's speeding, cutting across lanes and failing to stop at the red light were so negligent that they constituted a "major departure" from the ordinary standard of care expected of a reasonable person riding a motorcycle. At sentencing today, Justice Cheryl Gwyn detailed the 60-year-old's driving history, which included previous convictions for careless driving, speeding, drink-driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving while suspended. These were considered relevant to his sentencing on two charges of manslaughter - the outcome of a more than three-week High Court jury trial in April this year. The judge also noted Kimber has received two further speeding offences since the death of the Bouchers. Justice Gwyn said Kimber had a lengthy criminal history on top of the driving matters, having appeared before the courts "every few years" since 1981. His history included drugs, violence, dishonesty and weapons charges, and most related to "interpersonal disputes" within gang subculture. Kimber is an "honorary and lifetime member" of the Filthy Few motorcycle gang, although material provided to the court said he has "largely stopped" his involvement since his 21-year-old daughter's death in 2013. Kimber has been imprisoned on six prior occasions, with his longest sentence being six and a half years' imprisonment. Justice Gwyn also detailed reports of Kimber's upbringing, in which he "largely had to fend for himself". He was neglected by his parents, who drank heavily, and when he was 10 his mother took his three siblings, leaving Kimber with his father, who would leave him alone on a farm for "weeks at a time". Justice Gwyn agreed with defence lawyer Ron Mansfield, KC, that, to some extent, there was a "causative link" between Kimber's Filthy Few involvement, his criminal history and non-compliance with authority that stemmed from a childhood marked by abuse, insecurity and poor parenting. However, since the fateful night when his actions led to the death of the Bouchers, the judge considered that Kimber had made "significant" rehabilitative efforts and demonstrated remorse. Justice Gwyn said she was "greatly encouraged" by the letters of support she'd received about Kimber, who had become involved with a church, sought addictions services, and had received mentoring. Kimber had also raised $10,000 to offer the family for emotional harm reparation. However, the family did not want to accept that, nor did they want to hear Kimber read his letter of apology in court. However, the judge took into account both of those shows of remorse, which she considered genuine. "They indicate you have taken responsibility for the harm you caused and have tried to make amends for that," Justice Gwyn said. "One of the themes [of the letters of support]... is that although you have a tough exterior and are a man of few words, you are a kind and compassionate person and have a lot of potential to make a real and lasting difference." His continued journey on the "path" of rehabilitation would offer the best protection for the community, rather than a lengthy prison sentence. However, balanced against Kimber's background, remorse and prospects of rehabilitation was the death of two people and the "profound and palpable" grief for the Boucher family. Geoffrey and Karen Boucher's family members did not read victim impact statements aloud in court, but the judge referred to their contents. They "[painted] a picture" of a "hard-working and family-oriented couple" who were loved by their family. The judge said each statement described the ways the couple's death had affected the family member - in "small day-to-day ways that hit you when you least expect it", but also in significant, practical and financial ways. The Bouchers had been planning to build a home with their two adult children. With their death, that was now a "lost dream". The level of harm meant Kimber's culpability was high and the offending serious. Crown prosecutor Ian Murray sought a starting point of eight years and six months, with few discounts, while Mansfield told the judge the Crown's approach left him "feeling like we're in parallel universes". He asked for a starting point of three years and six months, as well as more than 40 percent in discounts for personal factors. The judge accepted Kimber's excessive speed, failing to stop at the red light, and the death of the two pedestrians were factors she should consider when setting a starting point. Murray reminded the judge that Kimber was doing 110km/h in a 50km/h zone in the lead-up to Bethlehem roundabout, just before the incident, and before that he'd been travelling an estimated 30km/h above the speed limit on the expressway. He said his driving that night sat within "a pattern of highly dangerous driving over a lifetime". However, the judge did not agree with the Crown that there had been a "prolonged, persistent and deliberate course of very bad driving" that night. She said that having viewed the CCTV footage at trial, she did not characterise his driving in that way. "Apart, of course, from the excessive speed and running the red light," she said. The judge adopted a starting point of four years. She imposed an uplift of one year for his previous driving history and gave a 25 percent discount for rehabilitation and remorse, and 10 percent for his background. He received an end sentence of three years and six months' imprisonment and will be disqualified from driving for three years once he's released. The judge declined the Crown's bid for an order seizing the Harley Davidson and also declined to impose a minimum period of imprisonment. * This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Person seriously injured in Lower Hutt motorway crash
Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER The intersection of State Highway 2 and Kennedy Good Bridge is closed following the crash. Emergency services were on the scene. Police warned warning motorists to avoid the area, and said access to the highway was likely to be restricted until at least 8.30am.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Scoop
Progress On Hawke's Bay Expressway Good News For Growth
Minister of Transport Minister of Transport Chris Bishop has welcomed funding to proceed with groundwork and geotechnical investigations for the next section of the State Highway 2 Hawke's Bay Expressway Road of National Significance project. 'The expressway is a vital link for the whole region and for road users from neighbouring regions. Progress on the next section of the project – which will better connect Napier to Hastings and increase growth and productivity – is good news for a region with massive economic potential but which is still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle. 'NZ Transport Agency's board has confirmed $7.65 million for the work, which will enable the project team to begin early ground improvements alongside Ngaruroro River Bridge and geotechnical investigations in section 2 of the project,' Mr Bishop says. 'This funding will make more efficient and reliable travel another step closer. 'When that work begins, crews will repurpose safe, tested silt from the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, provided free by Hastings District Council to raise the level of the land and create a wide, flat surface – just like the work already completed alongside Tutaekuri River Bridge and the Kennedy Road overpass. 'That silt will then be left to settle for 12 months prior to additional construction work starting, subject to further approvals, consents and funding. 'The latest funding will also allow geotechnical investigations at Ngaruroro River Bridge and other locations. Geotechnical investigations are really important for this project – they help to determine the detailed design. 'Work is well underway onsite within the first section of the project, and on the detailed design work needed for that first section. Section 1 of the project focusses on Taradale Road to Pākōwhai Road, which has been identified as the most congested section of the expressway. 'I'm confident that by starting early groundwork and investigations for the next part of the project soon, we can get section 2 shovel-ready for main works construction, pending further approvals and funding by the NZTA board. 'I know how important this project is to get commuters and freight moving through the region more quickly and more safely.' While this funding allows NZTA to get on with section 2 investigations and ground conditions, an investment case is in development for the remainder of the project (including section 2 improvements), which will determine decisions on next steps. Notes: Section 1 of the project spans from the Taradale Road to Pākōwhai Road roundabouts. Section 2 of the project stretches from Pākōwhai Road to York Road roundabouts in the south and Taradale Road to Prebensen Drive roundabouts in the north. Prebensen Drive to York Road is the busiest stretch of the expressway, with the most problematic intersections, and it connects the main urban areas of Napier and Hastings. Construction of the main works on section 1 are expected to start in late 2025, subject to consents and funding, and be completed in late 2027. · An investment case is in development for the remainder of the project (including section 2 improvements). This Corridor Investment Case will be completed later this year, and a decision will be made on whether to proceed to detailed design.
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
State highway closed near Pahiatua after two-vehicle crash
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 3pm Thursday. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER Serious injuries have been reported after a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 2, near the North Island town of Pahiatua. Police said the crash happened at about 3pm Thursday. State Highway 2 south of Pahiatua is closed. Traffic is being diverted off the highway at Bridge Road to the south and Mangahao Road to the north. The Serious Crash Unit had been advised.
RNZ News
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Person dies after Hawke's Bay crash
The crash occurred on State Highway 2 in rural Hawke's Bay. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski A person has died following a crash on State Highway 2 in rural Hawke's Bay on Tuesday morning. Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash near Takapau shortly before 7.30am. Police said the person died at the scene. The serious crash unit has attended and enquiries are ongoing. The section of the highway has since reopened. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
