Forensic psychiatrist gives evidence in the trial of accused killer driver Carlie Richards arguing mental incompetence defence

The woman accused of killing a young artist in a crash drove at crazy speeds because she was suffering from a number of delusions, a court heard.

The woman accused of killing a young artist in a crash drove erratically because she was suffering from a delusion that a security vehicle was following her, a court heard.

Carlie Eileen Richards, 40, is standing in the District Court this week after allegedly causing the horrific collision while on meth.

Richards pleaded guilty to leaving the accident scene after causing death and harm by careless driving.

Carlie Eileen Richards has been identified as the alleged killer driver, involved in the Gillman crash yesterday. Picture: Facebook

However, Paul Charman for Ms Richards, told the court his client would be pleading not guilty to four charges, including causing death and harm by dangerous driving, on the basis of mental incompetence.
He said the facts of the offending were accepted but they would argue that Richards didn’t know the conduct was wrong at the time.

Rob Walker, for the prosecution, told the court Ms Richards, who had a small quantity of meth in her system, was driving a motor vehicle on the Port River Expressway on November 1, 2022.

Carlie Eileen Richards will be comparing some of her case to Harrison Kitt’s to argue a mental incompetence defence. Picture: Facebook

“She was driving well in excess of the posted speed limit, which was 90km/h, and which changed shortly before she was involved in a collision to 60km/h,” he said.

The court heard for 13 seconds leading up to the collision Richards drove at an average speed of 157km/h.

She rear-ended a Toyota Prius that was driving in front of her, which “catapulted” into an oncoming lane of traffic, hitting a Kia Cerato and then a truck immediately after.

Lisa Hoy was driving the Prius, with her twin sister Erica in the front passenger seat and Erica’s boyfriend, Michael Reader in the rear seat.

Erica Hoy was killed in the crash while her sister was injured. Picture: Facebook

“Erica Hoy … died as a result of the intrusion of the truck on the oncoming lane,” Mr Walker said.

The court heard Lisa suffered several injuries, including damage to her pelvis and kidney and a broken nose.

Mr Reader suffered broken ribs and injuries to his lungs, liver, kidney and pelvis, while the Kia driver also suffered harm.

Giving evidence on Wednesday, forensic psychiatrist Hoa Nguyen told the court Richards was previously diagnosed with a schizo-affective disorder, which is a combination of bipolar illness and schizophrenia.
He told the court Richards was in an “acute relapse” when she was admitted to James Nash House, a mental health facility, after the incident.
“For a number of months it appears that she was experiencing both psychotic and mood symptoms related to that,” he said.

The court heard Richards was suffering from delusions at the time of the alleged offending, including believing that a “small security vehicle was following her”, which is why she drove erratically.
She also reported to police she believed she needed to race to prove her love for her partner.
Dr Nguyen told the court it was his opinion that Richards would have suffered those delusions regardless of whether the meth was in her system.
The trial before Judge Carmen Matteo continues.