Court told of shocking mistake by Mahnoor Malik, who caused Hayborough crash that killed Debbie Johnston

A court has heard the shocking mistake that sent a disability van into a tree, killing a woman in a wheelchair during a Fleurieu Peninsula holiday with her family.

A young woman driving a disability transport van mistook the accelerator for the brake when she missed a turn-off and crashed into a tree, killing a passenger, a court has heard.

Mahnoor Malik, 22, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday after tragically killing wheelchair-bound Debbie Johnston in the crash at the intersection of Ocean and Port Elliot roads in Hayborough last September.

Malik, of Northfield, has pleaded guilty to cause death by careless use of a vehicle and aggravated due care.

James Marcus, for Malik, told Magistrate John Clover it was the first time his client had driven the van outside of metropolitan Adelaide – submitting she “misjudged a corner in an unfamiliar vehicle”.

Malik leaves court earlier this year. Picture: Dean Martin

“She effectively misjudged the turn,” Mr Marcus said. “She went to take it and misapplied the accelerator rather than the brake which caused the tragic consequences which brings us all here.

Debbie Johnston tragically died in the crash. Picture: Facebook

“This matter has had a very significant impact upon Ms Malik – she lives with significant guilt, what might be described as general guilt for what happened but also survivor’s guilt.

“Ms Malik had cared for Ms Johnston on many occasions, and while perhaps ‘friend’ is a strong word, she was someone who Ms Malik had cared for both literally and emotionally.

“The fact that she’s responsible for her death weighs heavily on her – she doesn’t sleep at night.”

Ms Johnston, 59, was killed in the collision while Ms Malik and another passenger, a 30-year-old Croydon Park woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.

Police and emergency services at the scene of the crash. Picture: Gary Juleff

The van was transporting Ms Johnston, who was on the third day of a “much-needed” family holiday, to Victor Harbor with her daughter and husband.

Ms Malik was issued with an instant loss of licence after the collision and, in March last year, pleaded guilty to the charge now commonly known as “Sophia’s Law” – legislated in the wake of the 2019 death of teenager Sophia Naismith.

On Tuesday, in a victim-impact statement on behalf of the Johnston family, Vanessa McKibbin told the court how they would all miss Ms Johnston’s “cheeky grin”.

“We feel very sad that her life ended so tragically when it was supposed to be a happy family holiday,” Ms McKibbin read.

“We feel ripped off that her life was cut short so quickly, and suddenly we didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye.

“The grief of this accident has been very sad for the whole family – especially her daughter Crystal who lost her best friend, and her husband Brian.”

Mr Clover remanded Ms Malik on continuing bail to return to court in September for sentencing.

Originally published as Court told of shocking mistake by Mahnoor Malik, who caused Hayborough crash that killed Debbie Johnston