Home / Crime and Justice / Avatar Actor Cliff Curtis Admits Causing Injury in DUI Crash
Avatar Actor Cliff Curtis Admits Causing Injury in DUI Crash
29 Oct
Summary
- Actor Cliff Curtis admitted guilt to drunk driving causing injury.
- The crash injured a taxi driver who needed to be freed.
- Sentencing is scheduled for February 2027 in Rotorua.
New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis has pleaded guilty to causing injury while driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred on September 23rd when Curtis's Tesla crashed into a parked taxi on Auckland's waterfront. The collision seriously injured the taxi driver, who required extrication from his vehicle. Court proceedings on Thursday revealed Curtis had a blood alcohol level of 122mg per 100ml at the time of the crash.
Originally charged with reckless driving and drunk driving, the reckless driving charge was replaced with the more serious offense of drunk driving causing injury. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years imprisonment, a fine up to NZ$20,000, and a mandatory 12-month driving disqualification. Curtis, who had been recovering from his own injuries at home in Rotorua, requested an earlier sentencing date to benefit the victim but none were available.
The injured taxi driver, Gagan Deep Singh, sustained severe injuries including eight broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a head wound, and a lower hip fracture, requiring two months of bed rest. Curtis had previously issued a public apology expressing deep remorse for his actions and the harm caused to Singh and his family.
