'Genuinely regretful' James Rolleston pleads guilty to driving charge

Boy actor James Rolleston has pleaded guilty to causing a crash which left him and his friend seriously injured last July.

The 19-year-old appeared at the Auckland District Court this morning before Judge Nevin Dawson.

Supported by his family, the actor officially entered his guilty plea through his lawyer, Sam Teppett, to a charge of dangerous driving causing injury.

In a statement, the 19-year-old said he always intended to admit his actions as he is "genuinely regretful" that they caused the accident.

"I am especially regretful for the harm caused to my good friend who was in the car with me. I am grateful that we both survived and have the opportunity to make something of the lives we have ahead of us, despite the fact that I have a bit of recovery still ahead.

"Not everyone is that fortunate. I have learned to appreciate life a lot more and to be grateful for what I have," the actor said.

Court records show Rolleston was driving at a speed considered "dangerous to the public" and caused injury to Kaleb Maxwell, who was a passenger in the vehicle, on July 26, 2016. 

- Full story at NZ Herald