http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11337776
Benjamin Yonghao Wu, 32, ran a stop sign at an intersection south of Christchurch last Wednesday about 10.40am during a Lord of the Rings road-trip.
He managed to slow down to about 40-50km/h but later told police he didn't want to make an abrupt stop, because it would've been "uncomfortable" for his passengers.
The horse float, which had been travelling at 80km/h, braked heavily but was unable to avoid the collision.
Singapore Airlines chief steward Chew Weng Wai's side took the brunt of the impact. He had to be cut free from the wreck. He was a backseat passenger and not wearing a seatbelt at the time.
He suffered bleeding and swelling to the brain as well as significant internal bleeding, Christchurch District Court heard today. He is still being monitored in hospital.
Stewardess Vanessa Leonara Savio Coehlo, seated in the middle of the back seat, was also not wearing a seatbelt.
She had to be cut free by rescuers and underwent surgery the following day for injuries that included a fractured arm and shattered pelvis as well as spleen and bladder injuries.
Ms Coehlo has since been discharged from Christchurch Hospital.
Two other passengers were unhurt and have "returned home", police say.
Wu, of Singapore, pleaded guilty to two reckless driving causing injury charges on Friday.
Defence counsel Kerry Cook said Wu had made $15,000 available to the court to be offered as emotional harm compensation to be "split between the two [victims] as the court sees fit".
Police have Wu's passport, and he is on bail with the conditions to not drive a motor vehicle and travel outside Christchurch.
Wu will be sentenced at 2.15pm today (6 Oct).
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