Manslaughter Charge Laid Against High-Range Drink Driver Following Fatal Far South Coast Crash
A high-range drink driver has been charged with manslaughter following a tragic single-vehicle crash on the Far South Coast of New South Wales that claimed the life of his passenger.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The incident occurred on June 21 last year on Sapphire Coast Drive at Tura Beach, approximately six kilometres north-east of Merimbula. According to police reports, a white sedan allegedly lost control, left the roadway, and rolled onto grass shortly before 7:30pm.
Emergency services were called to the scene where they found both the driver, a 33-year-old man, and his 46-year-old passenger in critical condition. Both men were transported to Bega Hospital, however the older passenger could not be revived and was pronounced dead.
Police Investigation and Charges
Following the crash, a crime scene was established and officers from the Crash Investigation Unit commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The driver underwent mandatory alcohol and drug testing at the scene before being transferred to Canberra Hospital for further medical treatment.
The investigation led to initial charges being laid on August 27, including:
- Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death
- High range drink driving
- Negligent driving occasioning death
On Saturday, January 31, police upgraded the charges to include manslaughter, reflecting the serious nature of the alleged offences.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The accused driver remains on conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Bega Local Court on Tuesday, February 10 to face the manslaughter charge along with the previously laid driving offences.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of drink driving and the serious legal repercussions that can follow such incidents on Australian roads. The upgrade to a manslaughter charge indicates the severity with which authorities are treating this particular fatal crash.
