Port River Expressway crash-accused Carlie Eileen Richards faces court for first time

The woman accused of causing a fatal crash on a busy highway before fleeing the scene has faced court for the first time, after earlier being deemed too unwell.

The woman accused of killing a young artist and seriously injuring her twin sister in a crash earlier this month will remain in a mental health facility until the new year, a court has heard.

Carlie Eileen Richards, 38, appeared via video link at the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Ms Richards’ defence counsel Tricia Johnson told the court their original plan was to apply for bail, before asking for her client to remain in custody.

“The plan was for her to go stay with relatives,” Ms Johnson said.

“There is an update from the James Nash House, there is a plan to refer Ms Richards to a new facility but that won’t be a possibility until mid-December so we ask the court to set a date in Adelaide.”

Carlie Eileen Richards allegedly killed Erica Hoy in a crash on the Port River Expressway. Picture: Facebook

Ms Richards was charged with a number of offences earlier this month, after police alleged she was the driver of a car that caused a nightmare crash on the Port River Expressway, killing 26-year-old Erica Hoy by driving dangerously – just minutes from her home.

They also alleged she caused the serious injury, also by driving dangerously, of Ms Hoy’s twin sister Lisa, boyfriend Mike Reader, 29, and another driver, Klio Bruckner.

Erica Hoy was killed in a road crash on the Port River Expressway. Picture: Facebook

Police further allege Ms Richards attempted to flee the scene of the crash before then refusing to give them her name or tell them she was driving.

In total Ms Richards was charged with:

■ One count of causing death by dangerous driving

■ Three of causing serious harm by dangerous driving

■ Two of driving without due care

■ One each of leaving an accident scene after causing death, failing to answer questions about the identity or owner of a vehicle, refusing name and address and hinder or resist police.

Ms Richards was originally detained under section 269x of the criminal law act, which is ordered when there are investigations to be conducted into a defendant’s mental competence, but this was withdrawn on Wednesday.

“The update says there is no need for the 269x and I accept that but I ask that it continues as it does change her status,” Ms Johnson said.

“If there is a wish to move her in the meantime to the women’s prison, that can still occur.”

Magistrate Paul Bennett said it was no longer necessary to proceed with the 269x and placed Ms Richards on a warrant on remand.

The matter will return to court next year.

Originally published as Port River Expressway crash-accused Carlie Eileen Richards faces court for first time