SAPOL appoint independent investigator for Goolwa Beach crash that killed Charlie Stevens
SA Police said the nature of the case involving the death of the Commissioner’s son meant independent oversight was necessary.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SA Police has appointed a senior Victorian officer to oversee an investigation into the Goolwa Beach crash that led to the death of Commissioner Grant Stevens’ son, Charlie.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lineham from Victoria Police has been temporarily appointed as a Special Constable and independent Lead Investigator in the Major Crash Investigations case, SA Police announced on Friday.
“He will have control for the direction and outcome of the Investigation and facilitate any brief of evidence to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” Acting Commissioner Linda Williams said.
She said SA had a team of highly professional and capable investigators working in Major Crash Investigations but due to the high profile nature of the case involving the death of Charlie Stevens it was necessary to provide independent oversight.
The son of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens died in hospital after becoming the victim of an alleged hit-run accident at about 9pm on Friday night, during the Schoolies festival near Victor Harbor.
He suffered an irreversible brain injury and was placed on life support before dying at 7.01pm on Saturday, surrounded by family and friends.
Commissioner Stevens took indefinite leave to spend time with his wife Emma, and their four other children after the tragedy before penning an emotional letter in tribute to his son.
The alleged driver, 18-year-old Dhirren Randhawa faced the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday.
He faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a crash after causing death and failing to truly answer questions after he was initially charged with causing serious harm by dangerous driving among other charges.
Police allege the magnetic blue 2011 Volkswagen Golf hatchback believed to have struck Charlie Stevens, which Dhirren was allegedly driving, failed to stop before officers pulled it over on nearby Port Elliot Road, at Goolwa.
If convicted, Dhirren faces a maximum 15 years in jail.
Driver dies in horror crash near Mount Gambier
A person has died in a cross-border crash between a car and truck with Mount Gambier emergency services rushing to the scene.
Teen tradie’s miracle escape after horror smash with truck
A teenage tradie on his way to work has been incredibly lucky to avoid life-threatening injuries in a horror smash between his ute and a truck. His boss has shared his shock from the scene.