Political candidate charged over death of 73-year-old pedestrian appears in court

A taxi driver who ran for the upper house at the last election has appeared in court after a 73-year-old was struck and killed by a car.

An independent candidate for SA’s upper house charged over the death of a pedestrian outside a shopping centre last year is likely to contest the allegations, a court has heard.

On Monday, taxi driver Amrik Singh Thandi, 71, faced Elizabeth Magistrates Court charged with two counts of driving without due care – one aggravated and one basic.

Mr Thandi, of Gulfview Heights, is accused of causing the death of a 73-year-old pedestrian from Tiddy Widdy Beach.

Amrik Singh Thandi has faced court over the death of a 73-year-old pedestrian outside a Salisbury shopping centre on September 7, 2023. Picture: Facebook

The man died in hospital a week after he was allegedly struck by a car on John St in Salisbury on September 7, 2023.

He was the 80th life lost on South Australian roads last year.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 12.30pm with Major Crash officers conducting investigations, including in the nearby Parabanks Shopping Centre.

Counsel for Mr Thandi on Monday asked Magistrate David White to adjourn the matter to a pre-trial conference date as the charges were to be contested.

The court heard defence had requested disclosure since taking up the file recently, and were expecting to consider negotiations with the prosecution depending on the evidence provided.

Under South Australian law, Mr Thandi faces a maximum penalty of 12 months jail and at least six months disqualification for the aggravated charge of due care.

According to his social media presence and online campaign, Mr Thandi was an independent candidate in 2022 for the Legislative Council of South Australia, who said he “supported freedom of choice” on Covid vaccinations.

Mr Thandi is quoted to “advocate for the basic concerns of the citizens of SA. My approach to serving the community is based on what is justifiable – regardless of the wishes of select classes of the people”.

The matter will return to court in October.