Ann Lock pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after Hindmarsh Valley crash

A driver who allegedly killed a woman after a side-on collision will stand trial over dangerous driving charges, admitting she drove “carelessly”.

The driver who allegedly killed a woman in a horror crash at Hindmarsh Valley will stand trial over dangerous driving charges but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Ann Lock, 73, pleaded not guilty in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing harm by dangerous driving.

However, she pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated driving without due care.

Lock was behind the wheel of a silver Subaru Forester which was involved in a side-on collision with an orange Ford Territory just after 12.10pm on April 8, 2021.

The Subaru was involved in a side-on collision with the Ford. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The passenger in the Subaru, a 62-year-old from Cairns in Queensland was killed as a result.

The crash happened as the Subaru pulled out from the intersection of Hindmarsh Tiers Road and Victor Harbor Road.

The driver and another passenger of the Ford were flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the Flinders Medical Centre.

Lock was treated for leg fractures and taken to the FMC.

Ann Lock pleaded guilty to aggravated due care. Photo: Lucy Rutherford

Under SA law, death by dangerous driving can only be downgraded to an aggravated count of driving without due care.
Instead of facing a maximum 15-year prison term and mandatory minimum 10-year licence disqualification if convicted, offenders face a maximum sentence of 12 months’ jail and a six-month licence disqualification.

Meanwhile, the state government has vowed to overhaul the state’s driving laws

Victims’ Rights Commissioner Bronwyn Killmier has thrown her support behind a “mid-tier” new driving offence in the wake of Sophia Naismith’s needless death.

Hailing the Naismith family’s courage in their public pursuit for legal changes, Ms Killmier said the penalties the District Court gave in the case “is an issue that has been frequently raised”.

She has urged Attorney-General Kyam Maher to act on “many complaints from victims” about confusing driving laws.

A government spokeswoman said authorities were committed to changes.

She said this included a new licensing scheme for elite sports cars, toughening bail driving laws, banning the disabling of traction control in high-powered vehicles, and exploring a mid tier “reckless homicide” offence.

“A working group is well advanced in progressing these reforms, with legislation to be introduced by the end of the year,” she said.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Magistrate Simon Smart committed Lock, of Aberfoyle Park, to the District Court for arraignment in January.