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Darren Michael Hicks faces SA court over August 2014 crash on South Eastern Freeway that killed two

FIRST PICTURE: The truck driver whose conduct behind the wheel allegedly caused the horror South Eastern Freeway crash in August 2014 has faced court for the first time.

Like a war zone: Emergency responders describe horror Adelaide truck crash

THE truck driver whose conduct behind the wheel allegedly caused the horror South Eastern Freeway crash in August 2014 has faced court for the first time.

Darren Michael Hicks is charged with causing two deaths by dangerous driving — but The Advertiser understands he may yet seek to broker a plea bargain deal with prosecutors.

On Tuesday, Hicks, 31, of Netley, attended the Adelaide Magistrates Court alongside his lawyer, Mark Twiggs.

He has yet to plead to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious harm by dangerous driving.

He is further charged with one aggravated count, and one basic count, of driving without due care.

Hicks faces a maximum 15-year jail term if convicted.

Freeway truck crash - how it unfolded

The charges arise from a crash at the base of the South Eastern Freeway on August 18, 2014.

Two people — Thomas Spiess, 56, and Jacqueline Byrne, 41 — died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident, while two others were seriously injured.

The Coroners Court subsequently heard Hicks’ truck was out of control and travelling at 151km/h in the final 190m before impacting with Mr Spiess and Ms Byrne’s cars.

It also heard Hicks had only been working for the truck’s owner, Transpacific, for a week prior to the crash.

Jacqui Byrne also died as a result of the crash. Image: Facebook.
Jacqui Byrne also died as a result of the crash. Image: Facebook.
Tom Spiess died in the fatal crash. Image: Supplied.
Tom Spiess died in the fatal crash. Image: Supplied.

Transpacific also grounded its national fleet of 2800 trucks — which halted rubbish collection in some areas of Adelaide — over safety concerns.

Deputy State Coroner Anthony Schapel recommended the slashing of speed limits for trucks using the freeway, and the State Government immediately agreed.

Hicks was not arrested until 2015, and the charges were laid following extensive investigations by SA Police.

On Tuesday, Mr Twiggs asked his client be remanded on bail to face court again in April, when the prosecution will file its case and evidence with the court.

He also asked Hicks be given another, earlier court date in March.

The Advertiser understands that date was sought in case a plea bargain, to lesser charges, can be brokered with prosecutors.

A sooner court date would ensure Hicks could receive the maximum sentencing discount available for an early guilty plea.

Magistrate Rodney Oates remanded Hicks on $500 bail, ordering he face court in March and again in April.

Outside court, Hicks — who walks with a pronounced limp due to his prosthetic right leg — declined to comment on his matter.

Asked if he had anything to say, he shook his head.

Mr Twiggs told the media his client “would not be answering questions”.

Like a war zone: Emergency responders describe horror Adelaide truck crash

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/darren-michael-hicks-faces-sa-court-over-august-2014-crash-on-south-eastern-freeway-that-killed-two/news-story/4ff1bdc6f93c16a97834f6c3522533b5