Elizabeth Meg Krainz charged with causing death by dangerous driving over motorcyclist’s death
The first person charged under the law named for road crash victim Sophia Naismith is now facing an even more serious offence as well, a court has heard.
Police & Courts
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The case against the first person charged under “Sophia’s Law” has been upgraded to allegations of killer driving - but the brand-new offence has not been dropped.
In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, prosecutors formally charged Elizabeth Meg Krainz with one count of having caused death by dangerous driving.
They also told the court Ms Krainz’s original alleged offence, that of aggravated causing death by careless driving, would remain “as an alternative” to the major charge.
The decision by prosecutors follows a foreshadowing, by Ms Krainz’s counsel, that they would seek to have the matter downgraded through negotiations.
It further means that, once she has entered her pleas, Ms Krainz’s matter will have to be committed to the District Court.
The offence of causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum 15-year prison term.
Ms Krainz, 26, of Clovelly Park, first faced court in August charged with one aggravated count of causing death by careless use of a motor vehicle.
She was further charged with failing in her duties to hold a licence of learner’s permit.
Police allege she was behind the wheel of a Honda CRV that collided with a Kawasaki motorcycle at Aldinga, in May – the motorcyclist died in hospital.
At that first court appearance, Ms Krainz’s counsel dubbed the incident “just an unfortunate accident” and flagged their intent to seek a plea bargain.
The offence of causing death by careless use of a motor vehicle was legislated in the wake of the June 2019 death of Sophia Naismith.
State government statistics provided to The Advertiser show that, in total, 282 people were accused of causing death or harm on the roads in 2024.
Of those, 13 were charged under “Sophia’s Law”, including Ms Krainz and Nadia Bellifemini, 22, of Hillbank, who has yet to enter pleas.
On Tuesday, Magistrate Simon Smart remanded Ms Krainz on continuing bail until March, when she will be required to enter pleas to both charges.
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