Show-off driver Sasan Zar Sabet found guilty of causing Peter Chiappetta’s 2014 death by dangerous driving
A SPEEDING “show-off” driver has been found guilty of killing a pedestrian in a catastrophic, full-throttle collision that sent the victim hurtling 30m through the air.
A SPEEDING “show-off” driver has been found guilty of killing a pedestrian in a catastrophic, full-throttle collision that sent the victim hurtling 30m through the air.
On Thursday, the District Court convicted Sasan Zar Sabet of causing the death of Peter Chiappetta by dangerous driving on Port Rd in December 2014.
In her written verdict, Judge Geraldine Davison — who heard the trial in the absence of a jury — rejected claims Mr Chiappetta had drunkenly run out onto the road.
The impact with Sabet’s modified, turbocharged Holden HSV GTS severed Mr Chiappetta’s right foot at the ankle, and his right leg at the hip, and sent him into the air.
His body travelled 30m back down Port Rd, toward the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and then slid for a further 29m before coming to rest.
“The only explanation for Sabet not seeing Mr Chiappetta until very shortly before the collision is (Sabet’s) gross inattention,” Judge Davison said.
“This collision was caused as a result of Sabet’s excessive speed and lack of attention ... he accelerated harshly, probably in an effort to show off to those (in) the general vicinity.
“It is not a momentary inadvertence, it is not an error of judgment and it is not driving with due care and attention ... it amounts to driving in a manner dangerous to the public.”
Sabet, 37, of Brompton, pleaded not guilty at trial over the incident, which occurred in front of horrified patrons of both the Entertainment Centre and nearby hotels.
Prosecutors alleged Sabet had been “showing off” his car to those patrons by “fast-driving, rather than attentive-driving” immediately before the fatal impact.
Sabet gave evidence at trial, insisting he was not speeding and, when he saw Mr Chiappetta, it was “like a snapshot” leaving him “no chance to brake”.
He denied that he “floored” the car’s accelerator and said he was “not in a rush” that night.
In her verdict, Judge Davison rejected Sabet’s evidence, saying she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the prosecution had proven its case.
She remanded him on continuing bail to face sentencing submissions in March.