Truck driver David Goddard charged with ssault while awaiting sentencing for dangerous driving that killed his passenger

A truck driver who killed a passenger after crashing into a tree in the state’s north has been charged with assault while awaiting sentencing.

A truck driver awaiting sentence for a crash which killed his 22-year-old passenger has been charged with choking and assaulting a family member.

David Edward Goddard, 58, was behind the wheel of a two-tonne tip truck when it crashed into a tree on Murray St in Tanunda on July 29, 2017.

His passenger, Shane Zelenko, died at the scene while Goddfrey suffered serious neck and chest injuries.

Goddard was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving, to which he pleaded guilty.

He is currently awaiting sentence but on May 8, 2019, he was arrested for allegedly choking and assaulting a family member.

Shane Zelenko, victim from the fatal truck crash in Tanunda. Pic — Facebook

On May 23 he was arrested again for allegedly assaulting a different family member.

Despite the opposition of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Goddard was granted bail and will appear again in court to face the new charges.

Goddard and Mr Zelenko were on their way to the older man’s house after a three-day work trip.

The crash took place on a 50km/h just after 3.30am.