The family of Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Macheda, killed in a horror crash, have spoken of their distress after he was killed by a drink driver
A man who was so drunk he can’t remember killing a beloved grandfather in a crash stood in court today as the man’s family said their lives are forever changed.
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A drunk driver who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving unauthorised had lost his licence 13 years prior to a crash that claimed the life of an 83-year-old family man, a court has heard.
Robert Michael Ryan appeared in the District Court on Tuesday where family members of Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Macheda delivered victim impact statements.
A statement read on behalf of Mr Macheda’s son Francesco, who was on scene after the crash at Waterloo Corner in November last year, said it “felt like a Hollywood horror movie”.
“He was killed metres away from the home and farm he built with his wife.
“She heard the impact and called out to my brother to go and see what had happened, she didn’t know the horror that was awaiting her.
“The scene that awaited us that evening felt like a Hollywood horror movie, flashing lights, investigators, all the unanswered questions, the feeling of absolute helplessness and the knowing that our lives would be forever changed.”
A statement read by a family member on behalf of Mr Macheda’s wife, Francesca Macheda, told of her heartbreak following the crash, saying her life “has changed for the worse”.
“Not being able to see him, touch him, hold him, or say goodbye in his last moments is something I am having trouble dealing with.”
“Giuseppe was my safe place and that was taken away from me.
“There is a constant reminder of the accident, being it just happened across the road (from her house).”
Further statements read on behalf of Mr Macheda’s five children and 16 grandchildren described him as a loving and caring man who was “the foundation of their family”.
Ryan, who at the time of the crash returned a positive blood alcohol test of 0.176, was the driver of a silver Ford station wagon which hit Mr Macheda’s tractor, on Symes Road at Waterloo Corner on November 12, 2022.
Ryan had previously pleaded guilty to cause death by dangerous driving, but on Tuesday also pleaded guilty to driving unauthorised.
Talia Costi, for the prosecution, said despite Ryan having lost his licence 13 years prior to the offending, he had purchased a Ford station wagon a short time before the crash.
Ms Costi said CCTV captured the Ford travelling approximately four to five seconds before the crash at a speed of between 105km/h and 115km/h in an 80km/h zone.
His speed at the time of the crash is unknown.
Martin Kirby, defending, said Ryan had no memory or explanation of the crash due to his high level of intoxication.
“Mr Ryan does know how serious driving can be,” he said.
Ryan will appear at the District Court in September for sentencing.
An aggravated charge of causing death by dangerous driving can carry with it a term of life imprisonment.
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