Trial Commences for Man Accused in Fatal M1 Crash That Killed Dapto Motorcyclist
The trial has begun for a man accused of causing a fatal collision on the M1 Princes Motorway that resulted in the death of a 66-year-old Dapto motorcyclist. Daniel Robert Hardy has pleaded not guilty to charges of dangerous driving occasioning death, though he has admitted to failing to stop and assist after the crash.
Crown Outlines Allegations of Speeding and Dangerous Maneuvers
On the first day of the trial at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney, prosecutor Elizabeth Wilkins SC presented the Crown's case. She alleged that Hardy was speeding between 10 to 15 kilometres per hour above the limit shortly before the impact. According to witness accounts, Hardy was seen cutting across traffic lanes aggressively.
The prosecution claims that Hardy accelerated harshly and moved from lane three across to lane one in one continuous action. A witness travelling in lane one estimated Hardy's speed at 100 to 110kmh in a 90kmh zone. The Crown asserts that Hardy's ute came very close to the lane divider, creating a hazardous situation.
Details of the Fatal Collision Emerge in Court
The court heard that the crash occurred on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in the northbound lanes of the M1. Robert Alexander, the motorcyclist, was allegedly moving from lane two into lane one when the handle of his motorcycle clipped Hardy's ute. This caused the bike to veer into lane two and collide with a white MG vehicle.
After hitting the MG, Mr Alexander was thrown from his motorcycle and skidded along the road before coming to a stop on the motorway's shoulder. Despite paramedics' efforts, he died at the scene. The tragic incident has left a community in mourning and raised serious questions about road safety.
Defence Disputes Allegations of Dangerous Driving
Jae Park, Hardy's barrister, told the jury that while his client does not dispute driving the ute or that the crash caused Mr Alexander's death, he challenges the claim that Hardy was driving dangerously or at a dangerous speed. Park described the incident as very tragic for all involved but urged jurors to maintain an open mind.
The defence emphasised that the burden of proof lies with the Crown to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Park indicated that there may be some disagreement about how Hardy moved into lane one, but the core issue remains whether his driving constituted a dangerous manner or speed.
Key Evidence and Witness Testimony Presented
The jury heard that another driver, who was travelling ahead of the MG, witnessed Hardy's ute speeding up in lane one after the crash. This driver memorised the number plate and later provided it to police, leading to Hardy's identification. The Crown plans to present a recorded police interview in which Hardy stated that Mr Alexander hit him, but prosecutors argue this is not the whole story.
Prosecutor Wilkins asserted that there is a causal connection between Hardy's driving and the collision, relying on more than speed alone to demonstrate alleged dangerousness. The trial continues before Judge Pauline David, with further evidence expected to be examined in the coming days.
