Lyle Morrison pleads guilty to death by dangerous driving over hit-run crash that killed Lucy Paveley
UPDATED: THE hoon behind the wheel of the car that killed Lucy Paveley has admitted he is a killer driver — but denied that his crime was manslaughter.
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THE hoon behind the wheel of the car that killed Lucy Paveley has admitted he is a killer driver — but denied that his crime was manslaughter.
Lyle Morrison appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon in a late-notice hearing convened at his request.
He pleaded guilty to having caused Ms Paveley’s death by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving while disqualified and engaging in a police pursuit over the crash at Parafield last month.
However, he pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and to driving without due care.
The Advertiser understands Morrison instructed his lawyers about his wish to enter the guilty pleas on August 25, during his very first meeting with them.
But Wednesday’s hearing was the first date available from the court — however his confession still attracts a maximum 40 per cent sentencing discount.
It is further understood he has pleaded not guilty to driving without due care because the elements of that offence are covered in the charge of death by dangerous driving.
Morrison faces a maximum life sentence for causing death by dangerous driving and must serve at least four-fifths of that term, under state law, before being eligible for parole.
In court, prosecutors gave no indication as to whether they would continue with the manslaughter charge given Morrison’s plea.
Morrison was further charged on Tuesday with numerous counts of being unlawfully on premises, aggravated serious criminal trespass, theft, illegal use and going equipped allegedly committed before the fatal crash.
No plea was entered on those charges.
Magistrate Jayanthi McGrath remanded Morrison in custody to face court again in November.
Meanwhile four boys aged between 13 and 17 — who cannot be named because of their age — faced the Youth Court on Wednesday over their alleged connection to Morrison.
They were last month charged with Ms Paveley’s manslaughter, then released and rearrested on different charges, while still inside the courthouse, prompting chaotic scenes.
On Tuesday, they too were charged with offences including aggravated causing serious criminal trespass, and were remanded in custody to face court again in two weeks.
The 15-year-old — who is also charged with aiding and abetting Ms Paveley’s manslaughter — waved at a relative in the body of the court.