James Paul Bryson, 21, pleads guilty to causing death by dangerous driving during last year’s double fatal crash at Willalooka

A 21-year-old Padthaway man has pleaded guilty over a horror crash that killed a Victorian couple in the state’s South East last year.

James Bryson (pictured in white shirt), leaving court with supporters after he pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Picture: Jessica Dempster

A 21-year-old Padthaway man has pleaded guilty over a horror crash that killed a Victorian couple in the state’s South-East during November last year.

On Monday, July 22, James Paul Bryson appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving over the fatal crash at Willalooka on November 18, 2023 that claimed the lives of Victorian couple Dennis Frazer, 77, and Deborah Thomson, 65.

James Bryson of Padthaway . Picture: Facebook

“Adored pop” Dennis Frazer, 77, was killed in a car crash at Willalooka on November 18.

On the morning of Saturday, November 18, Bryson was behind the wheel of a Toyota Ute - driving in a dangerous manner, police allege - when he collided with a Ford Territory carrying Mr Frazer and Ms Thomson at the intersection of the Riddoch Highway and McGrice Road.

South Australia road death toll has reached a devastating milestone after a double-fatal tragedy at Willalooka. Their victims deaths are the 99th and 100th lives lost on SA roads this year. Picture: 7NEWS

The crash claimed the lives of Victorian couple Dennis Frazer, 77, and Deborah Thomson, 65. Picture: 7NEWS

Emergency services were called to the crash at around 9:40am – both Mr Frazer and Ms Thomson tragically died at the scene while Bryson was taken to the Mount Gambier Hospital with serious injuries

Bryson was charged with two aggravated counts of death by dangerous driving – aggravated because his blood-alcohol concentration was above 0.08 per cent at the time of the crash.

The maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving is life imprisonment and a disqualification of licence for 10 years or more.

In January, he appeared before the Naracoorte Magistrates Court, supported by his parents, for a brief hearing.

He had another short hearing in May, this time before the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court, that was also adjourned.

Upon entering his guilty pleas today, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) asked for the 21-year-old’s bail to be revoked, but Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos said not enough notice had been given for Bryson’s defence lawyer to respond and the matter would have to be revisited before the District Court.

James Bryson, at rear in white shirt, leaving court with supporters after he pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Picture: Jessica Dempster

Three of Mr Frazer’s five children along with his brother and other family members were present for the brief committal hearing, leaving shortly before Bryson, his parents, and several other supporters exited the courthouse.

Bryson will appear in District Court for sentencing submissions in October.