Timaru Court News, by Joseph Nathan.
He was jailed for driving offences only last year. Now, after decades of dangerous behaviour behind the wheel, Anthony John Kerr is back in court — this time after a high-speed crash in Timaru that killed his dog.
Kerr, 41, admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified when he appeared in the Timaru District Court on Tuesday. Judge Campbell Savage offered no sympathy.
“Your driving history is appalling,” he told Kerr. “Have you killed anyone in a car yet?”
“No,” Kerr replied. “But I lost my best mate. I lost my rottweiler.”
The Pages Rd crash
The crash happened on September 1, 2025, on the 60kph residential stretch of Pages Rd — an area regularly used by families, walkers and cyclists.
Kerr was behind the wheel of an unwarranted, green-stickered Honda Stream that had been off the road since 2021. He was also serving a three-year driving disqualification.
Witnesses saw him travelling at high speed and losing control before the final bend. Police say two wheels drifted into the grass verge, Kerr over-corrected, spun 180 degrees, smashed through two fences and hit a tree.
His dog survived the initial crash but died shortly afterward from its injuries.
A blood test showed Kerr was over the legal alcohol limit, returning 61 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
A long, dangerous record
Kerr’s driving history is extensive and alarming. The court heard he has:
• 16 convictions for driving while disqualified
• 4 for dangerous driving
• 5 for failing to stop
• 2 for failing to stop to ascertain injury
• 6 excess breath-alcohol convictions
Kerr had been sent to prison last year for driving-related offending, including a July 2023 incident in which he sped through the grounds of a Timaru primary school — an event described in court as “frightening and harrowing” for children, parents and teachers.
Sentencing next month
Judge Savage remanded Kerr on bail for sentencing on December 18.
The Paper 