Jesse Reynolds, 23, fronts court over alleged Marshall hit-run, Crown considering plea offer
He’s accused of fleeing the scene of a suburban smash that left a woman fighting for life. His defence have put forward a plea offer. Now prosecutors must decide how they’ll respond … and the clock is ticking.
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The driver accused of running away from a horror smash in Marshall that left a mother fighting for life has fronted court, with his lawyers putting forward a plea offer.
Jesse Reynolds, 23, appeared in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday for a committal mention, facing charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury and failing to assist in a serious injury collision.
Mr Reynolds was allegedly behind the wheel of a red Holden Commodore when it collided with a silver Mazda hatchback on Barwarre Rd about 6pm on July 17.
It’s alleged Mr Reynolds fled the scene, while the driver of the Mazda, a 42-year-old mother and schoolteacher from Armstrong Creek, was flown to hospital in a critical condition.
Two other occupants of Mr Reynold’s car were also injured in the crash.
On Tuesday, prosecutor Philippa Long asked the court for an adjournment, after the prosecution received a plea offer from the defence.
The court heard the defence had made the offer on October 16 and it involved a plea in relation to dangerous driving causing serious injury, and a number of other charges on the brief.
Ms Long told the court the woman hurt in the crash had recently had surgery, and the Crown would need additional time to speak with her about the plea.
“Some time is needed for her to recover, for the Crown to be able to … obtain her views on whether to resolve the matter,” Ms Long said.
Magistrate Peter Mellas asked how speaking to the victim contributed to a decision on a legal basis or whether or not the case will go upstairs to the County Court.
“If the offer is accepted, what difference will it make to where this is headed?” Mr Mellas asked.
“Not to be unkind, but how does the victim have input into what legally is the appropriate charge?”
Ms Long said the OPP was required under the legislation to conference with the victim.
The court heard the next available date for the matter was in January, but Mr Mellas wasn’t content to adjourn the matter into the New Year.
“Time and time again, matters are being adjourned in this list,” he said.
Reynolds’ lawyer, Pat Byrne, agreed, and said an adjournment to January was “far too long” and would not be fair on his client.
Mr Byrne said the defence had yet to receive some material, including an injury report for all three victims.
“The defence concedes the serious injury in relation to the primary victim,” Mr Byrne said, noting the defence wanted “evidence as to the injuries to the other two victims”.
Mr Mellas asked Ms Long how long the Crown would need to make a decision, given the court wanted one “sooner rather than later”. Ms Long asked for two weeks.
Mr Mellas adjourned the matter to a special mention before him on November 20.
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