Roy Skinner, 80, faces court on dangerous driving causing death charges

An 80-year-old due to answer allegations he killed another person in a crash has given a unique reason for needing to postpone his case.

A Fleurieu Peninsula pensioner has faced court charged with killing another person in a road crash – but has yet to meet with his lawyer about the case.

Roy Alexander Skinner was scheduled to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday to answer the charge against him.

Mr Skinner, 80, of Encounter Bay, was charged with causing both death and serious harm by dangerous driving.

He was also charged with the lesser, alternative offences of aggravated driving without due care, and driving in a reckless or dangerous manner.

Roy Alexander Skinner, 80-year-old man charged with death by dangerous driving at Encounter Bay, leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

The charges arise from an incident on Ocean Rd at Encounter Bay on January 22, 2023, while Mr Skinner was allegedly driving a Subaru Forester.

Prosecution documents, released to The Advertiser, allege Elizabeth Beverly Loan died because of Mr Skinner’s “culpable negligence, recklessness or other conduct”.

They further allege he caused serious harm to Tracey Stevens by that same conduct.

On Wednesday, counsel for Mr Skinner asked his plea hearing be postponed.

“The reason for that is I’ve only been engaged as counsel for the past two weeks, and have not had the opportunity to meet with him,” she said.

“We have organised an appointment for the 27th, and so we ask for a two-week adjournment.”

Prosecutors did not oppose the delay, but said their case was ready to proceed.

“There was a request (from defence) for the disclosure of CCTV and bodycam footage, which we have provided,” he said.

Magistrate Brian Nitschke remanded Mr Skinner on continuing bail to face court again in two weeks.