A grandfather will face criminal charges over the deaths of three members of his family in New Zealand, it has been reported.

Geoff Eades will be charged with careless driving causing death, Detective Sergeant Andrew Fabish, of New Brighton police, told local newspaper, the Dominion Post.

His wife of 36 years, Sera Eades, 60, and granddaughter Iva Harper, three, both of Amwell House, The Woodlands, Isleworth, died when the borrowed car Mr Eades was driving hit a power pole, in the New Brighton area of Christchurch. Mr Eades’ cousin Valerie Bryan, 68, from Leicestershire, also died.

The New Zealand-born grandfather, who had flown from Isleworth to Christchurch for a holiday with his wife and granddaughter three days before the accident on September 16, fell asleep at the wheel of the car. The crash left Mr Eades, the sole survivor, with a broken ankle, cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung.

Det Sgt Fabish told the newspaper police had decided to postpone laying charges until Mr Eades had had time to grieve with family.

It reported Mr Eades would plead guilty to the charge.

Chris Harrington, communications manager at the British High Commission in New Zealand, said: “The police originally believed it was matter of fatigue.

“If that was the case then it’s likely that he would be charged.”

New Brighton Police were unavailable for comment today.