Peter Max Richter faces Ipswich court for fatalling running over pedestrian in Ipswich CBD

A court has heard an 85-year-old Ipswich retiree will carry remorse for the rest of his life after fatally striking an elderly pedestrian who walked on to a CBD road while he was driving through an intersection on a green light.

Peter Max Richter, 85, leaves Ipswich Court on May 10, 2024. Picture: Nicola McNamara

A retiree has faced court for fatally striking a pedestrian who walked out on to the road in front of him while he was driving through a green light in th Ipswich CBD.

An Ipswich magistrate acknowledged the man had accepted responsibility for the tragedy, where others might not have, saying he would now suffer from “moral guilt” for the rest of his life.

One Mile resident Peter Max Richter, 85, pleaded guilty on May 10, 2024, to driving without due care causing death.

Ipswich Magistrates Court heard Mr Richter fatally struck the pedestrian on Sunday, July 9, last year.

Mr Richter had been driving north on East St and was approaching the David Trumpy Bridge when a pedestrian walked in front of him.

Police prosecutor Nanette Green said Bert Peter Szymanski, 79, walked out into Mr Richter’s path despite there being a red pedestrian crossing light.

Mr Richter had a green light and kept driving.

He later told police he had not seen Mr Szymanski.

The court heard Mr Szymanski was thrown about 9m by the impact and died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.

Mr Richter stopped and tried to help, Snr-Constable Green said.

Magistrate Robert Walker acknowledged Mr Richter had pleaded guilty in circumstances where others may not have.

He said the plea reflected Mr Richter’s understanding that his driving and lack of attention had fallen short of the standard expected of a reasonable person in the same circumstances.

The court heard Mr Szymanski had crossed the southbound lane first before walking out in front of Mr Richter, who was in the northbound lane.

He had been on the road for about eight seconds before being struck.

Defence barrister Steve Kissick said his client turned to counselling after the collision and struggled with intrusive thoughts of self blame.

He said Mr Richter would carry remorse for the rest of his life.

“No punishment will relieve him of the moral guilt that he continues to suffer from,” Mr Kissick said.

He said Mr Richter had no intention of driving again and had given his car to one of his grandchildren.

Mr Richter had minimal criminal history and a three-page traffic history.

He had worked as a construction project manager in various countries before retiring after the death of his wife seven years ago.

Mr Walker said he wanted to recognise that Mr Richter’s offence had involved the loss of a life.

“Nothing I say, no order I can impose, is going to take away the burden of that, take away the grief of that loss to family members of the deceased,” Mr Walker said.

But he said Mr Richter was a man of otherwise good character, who was clearly remorseful for his offending.

He ordered Mr Richter be released under a $2000 recognisance, which required he be of good behaviour for the next 12 months.

Mr Richter’s licence was also disqualified for six months.

No convictions were recorded.