A Hamilton man has been found guilty of dangerous driving causing death after suffering a medical episode behind the wheel. Karl Sean Barnett was convicted in a judge-alone trial in the Hamilton District Court, with the verdict delivered on April 17, 2026.
The charges stemmed from an incident on August 31, 2023, where Barnett, while driving on Avalon Drive, suffered what was described in court as a seizure-like event. His vehicle mounted the curb and struck 73-year-old pedestrian Patricia Phillips, who died at the scene.
Judge Arthur Tompkins, in his decision, found that Barnett knew he had a medical condition that posed a risk and should not have been driving. The court heard evidence that Barnett had experienced similar episodes prior to the fatal crash.
Barnett was remanded on bail for sentencing, which is scheduled for June 2026. The charge of dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
