Prosecutors drop more serious fatal car-crash charge against Janine Lusher

Charges that a woman killed a man, 82, by dangerous driving have been dropped in an Adelaide court.

Prosecutors have dropped allegations an Adelaide woman killed a motorist, 82, by dangerous driving.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, prosecutors formally withdrew one count of causing death by dangerous driving filed against Janine Lusher.

The move follows months of out-of-court negotiations between prosecutors and counsel for Ms Lusher, who sought to broker a plea bargain.

She now stands accused only of the lesser offence of aggravated driving without due care – a charge to which, the court heard, she intends to plead not guilty.

Janine Lusher outside court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe.

Prosecutors have alleged she was behind the wheel of a Mazda SUV that collided with an MG sedan on Lower North East Road, Highbury, in December last year.

The MG’s driver, 82, from Ashton, died in hospital while Ms Lusher and her two passengers, boys aged 15 and 17, were treated for minor injuries.

In February, counsel for Ms Lusher sought time to broker a plea bargain with prosecutors that would see a 93 per cent reduction in her maximum penalty.

On Thursday, Bill Morris, for Ms Lusher, said prosecutors had informed his office the death by dangerous driving charge was to be dropped.

Prosecutors confirmed that was the case and withdrew the charge, leaving only the aggravated count of driving without due care.

Mr Morris asked that be adjourned to another date, saying his client intended to plead not guilty to the remaining charge.

Ms Lusher was remanded in continuing bail to face court in August.