NewsBite

SA Police ‘jacking up’ case against teen driver accused of killing university academic Dr Georgina Heath, Youth Court told

The alleged dangerous driving of the teen accused of killing Dr Georgina Heath has been revealed in court – but his lawyer says police have exaggerated its severity.

Tiser Explains: How a criminal trial works

A teenager was allegedly almost three times over the alcohol limit and driving at 150km/h when he killed top academic Georgina Heath, a court has heard – but lawyers say police are “jacking up” their case.

On Wednesday, SA Police urged the Youth Court to order the teenager, now 18, stand trial as an adult – and face a maximum life sentence – for his alleged offending.

They alleged he had a blood alcohol reading of 0.128, was travelling at between 139km/h and 150km/h, and breaching P-plate rules when he killed Dr Heath, from the University of SA.

They further alleged his conduct caused severe injuries to three other people, warranting an adult trial – but James Caldicott, for the teenager, disagreed.

“Blood alcohol levels, the point of collision and the speed of the vehicles are all matters that will be contested, and need to be ventilated, at trial,” he said.

“Simply because there’s more than a single person involved in the incident is not the appropriate legal test to put a matter in the adult jurisdiction.

“And just because there are more people involved in a crash does not mean its criminality is of a higher nature than other cases of its type – that’s simply jacking it up.”

Dr Georgina Heath, left, with Teyah and Jessie Heath. Picture: Supplied
Dr Georgina Heath, left, with Teyah and Jessie Heath. Picture: Supplied

The teenager, who cannot be named under SA law, has yet to plead to one aggravated count of causing Dr Heath’s death by dangerous driving.

He is further charged with one aggravated count of causing serious harm, and three aggravated counts of causing harm, by dangerous driving, relating to others involved in the crash.

Previously, police have alleged the teenager was 17 when his Mitsubishi Lancer sedan collided with an SUV on Main South Rd, Hackham, in March last year.

Dr Heath, 51, was a passenger in the SUV and died at the scene – her partner and four other people, including the passenger in the Lancer, were injured.

Last month, prosecutors flagged their bid to have the boy tried as an adult which, if successful, would see him face a maximum sentence of life if convicted.

Dr Heath died in the crash, while four other people were seriously injured. Picture: Supplied
Dr Heath died in the crash, while four other people were seriously injured. Picture: Supplied

On Wednesday, Rory Omerod, for police, said the teenager’s case would be best dealt with through a District Court trial.

“This is gravely serious alleged offending which has had tragic consequences for a number of people, not the least of whom are Dr Heath’s family,” he said.

“The driver of the SUV suffered serious injuries which required significant surgery and have left her with ongoing complications and pain.”

He said the court should follow recent legal precedent which held death by dangerous driving cases should be transferred to the adult jurisdiction.

“This driving is so objectively serious … his blood alcohol reading at the time of the crash is estimated to have been 0.128, and his speed between 139km/h and 150km/h,” he said.

“We say this offending is equally, if not more serious, than the case in the precedent.”

Magistrate Kate Hodder remanded the teenager on continuing bail until next month, when she will hand down her decision.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/sa-police-jacking-up-case-against-teen-driver-accused-of-killing-university-academic-dr-georgina-heath-youth-court-told/news-story/0e9e356aa7c1ce65e21b4a2ad70f1421