Lamborghini driver Alexander Campbell will plead not guilty to Sophia Naismith’s death, court told
The driver charged over the fatal Lamborghini crash that killed Sophia Naismith says he is innocent and that it was a terrible accident — while his lawyer says he’s had his “life turned upside down”.
- The Lamborghini hit Sophia Naismith and best friend Jordyn in June
- Driver Alexander Campbell was charged over the shocking crash
- Her family and friends released heartbreaking tributes
- Thousands gathered to mourn and farewell the popular student
A Lamborghini driver charged with causing the fatal crash that killed popular schoolgirl Sophia Naismith has told a court he intends to plead not guilty to the charges.
Alexander Campbell, 34, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court for the first time on Wednesday charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing harm by dangerous driving on Morphett Rd, Glengowrie.
Craig Caldicott, for Campbell, told the court he could “indicate my client intends to plead not guilty to the charges”.
Outside court, he said Campbell was “obviously driving the Lamborghini” at the time of the crash on Saturday, June 22, 2019, but was not driving in a dangerous manner at the time.
“That’s exactly what we are saying and that’s eventually going to be proved,” he said.
“There’s no suggestion of alcohol, there’s no suggestion of drugs, there’s no suggestion of anything other than driving and the fact there was an accident.”
He said Campbell, of Elizabeth North, had endured an “extremely difficult” time since the crash.
“He’s had his life turned upside down,” Mr Caldicott said. “It’s a terrible, terrible accident.
“He’s extremely sorry and remorseful for what has happened to (Sophia) and he has indicated that he is not guilty of the charges and he intends to fight them.
“Campbell is a person who has never been in trouble with the authorities and suddenly having all this happen to him. It is a terrible situation.”
Police have previously alleged Campbell lost control of his white, 2016 Lamborghini Huracan with the personalised number plate “PSYKO” when the crashed occurred about 10pm. His wife was in the passenger seat at the time.
They will allege that he lost control as he was driving along Morphett Rd, mounted a kerb and struck Ms Naismith, 15, and her best friend, Jordyn Callea, also 15, as they walked along a footpath.
The car came to rest outside the House of Tien Chinese restaurant.
After the crash, Sophia’s parents, Pia Vogrin and Luke Naismith, of Seaview Downs, released a tribute to the talented athlete and gifted Brighton Secondary School student, saying nothing could prepare them for the tragedy.
“Sophia was the centre of our universe. Our cherished firstborn. Best friend to her sisters. Adored by her grandparents. Admired by her Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Good friend to many. Loved by all. Everything has changed. She was an accomplished state volleyballer, gymnast, soccer player and a popular and gifted student. Our lives will never be the same again.”
They were present for the brief hearing on Wednesday, but declined to comment outside court.
The court heard Major Crash investigators were in the process of preparing a brief about the crash.
Prosecutors asked for a six-month adjournment. Campbell will return to court in late January.