David Cuthbert: Dangerous driver walks free over crash that killed beloved pastry chef

A motorist who caused a horrific crash south of Brisbane that killed an “inspirational” pastry chef and mentor for underprivileged students has avoided jail over the incident.

An 81-year-old driver who caused a horrific crash in Greenbank that killed an “inspirational” pastry chef who mentored underprivileged students in PNG has avoided jail.

David Charles Cuthbert, 81, pleaded guilty in district court at Beenleigh on Tuesday to dangerous driving causing death.

David Charles Cuthbert, 81.

The court heard Cuthbert drove dangerously, causing a crash that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist, while turning right across the northbound lane on Teviot Rd towards the entrance of the Greenbank Shopping Centre at 2.55pm on February 10, 2018.

After viewing dashcam footage of the crash in court, Judge Craig Chowdhury said Cuthbert had clearly failed to pay attention and give way to oncoming traffic, in particular, a motorcycle being ridden by Gerhard Mager, 70, who died from his injuries at Princess Alexandra Hospital on February 23.

“You indicated to turn right into the shopping centre entrance and moved into the designated right turning lane but you turned right without properly checking for oncoming traffic,” the judge said.

“You drove into the northbound lane of traffic which caused you to be directly in the path of the motorcycle being ridden by Mr Mager.

“Mr Mager braked heavily but clearly because he had no time to stop, was unable to stop and there’s been a heavy collision with the side of your vehicle.

Gerhard Mager died in hospital from his injuries 13 days after the crash. Picture: Supplied

“He was thrown from the motorcycle. He suffered life-threatening injuries and died after 13 days in intensive care.”

Mr Mager’s daughter Wendy Markovic said losing her father so suddenly in the crash had devastated her family.

“My father was a hero in my eyes and a very respected mentor to many,” she said.

Mr Mager was a bakery and pastry chef for over 30 years who worked and mentored students in Papua New Guinea from 2007-2018.

“He was known as ‘boss papa’ which was a very respected title,” Mrs Markovic said.

“He helped a lot of people who weren’t so fortunate, as well as helping families pay for their children to go through schooling.”

At the time of his passing, Mr Mager had been home in Logan on holiday from work.

“My dad adored his family and when he was home all he wanted to do was see his family, do day trips on his motorbike and most of all spend time with his grandson who was two years old at the time of his passing,” she said.

The court heard Cuthbert had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years after the fatal crash.

He was sentenced to complete a two-year suspended sentence and lost his drivers licence for two years.