Adelaide ‘show-off’ driver jailed over pedestrian Peter Chiappetta‘s death at Hindmarsh in 2014
A SPEEDING driver who was “showing off” to bystanders when he hit and killed a pedestrian in Adelaide has been jailed for three years.
A SPEEDING driver who was “showing off” to bystanders when he hit and killed a pedestrian in Adelaide’s west has been jailed for three years.
Sasan Zar Sabet was sentenced to prison on Monday for dangerous driving causing the death of Peter Chiappetta, 57, in a late-night, high-impact collision on Port Rd near Hindmarsh in December 2014.
The 37-year-old was speeding in his turbocharged Holden Commodore when he hit the pedestrian crossing the busy Port Road near the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
“You accelerated harshly and were travelling at a speed that was significantly higher than the speed limit,” District Court Judge Geraldine Davison said.
“You made a deliberate decision to show off your high-performance vehicle to those who were present.”
The pedestrian was flung high into the air in the crash and suffered massive injuries, including a severed leg, and he died at the scene.
“Mr Chiappetta landed on the bonnet of the car, struck the windscreen and was catapulted into the air,” Judge Davison said.
Many of the victim’s family and supporters were in court for the sentencing. “What is clear is that Mr Chiappetta was a loved and loving member of a family who now miss him greatly,” Judge Davison said.
She said the crime was too serious to suspend the sentence, particularly given Sabet has previously been caught doing burnouts in Hindley St.
“It is serious because it involves the taking of a human life,” she said. “I do however accept that you are very sorry for the fact that Mr Chiappetta has passed away.”
Sabet, who has an interest in buying and selling high-performance cars, had his driver’s licence disqualified for 10 years.
He was jailed for three years with a non-parole period of two years and five months.