Bus driver accused of causing three deaths in fatal crash faces 2026 trial
The trial for a man accused of causing three deaths in a fatal crash will wait until 2026 as the accused driver’s legal team challenges expert reports and driving evidence.
A bus driver accused of causing three people’s deaths and seriously injuring two more has had a trial date set as his lawyer attempts to have evidence ruled out.
Peter Jason Cafe has pleaded not guilty to five charges of dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm after a bus he was driving crashed near Gumlu on June 30, 2024.
Three women, Townsville grandmother Emma ‘Alli’ Sailor, 56 and German tourists Aliya Tonga, 21 and Marissa Martin, 33 were killed in the crash, while several other individuals were injured, two seriously.
Police allege that the bus veered onto the wrong side of the road, causing a collision with a towed caravan travelling in the opposite direction.
Mr Cafe, who did not appear in Townsville District Court on Wednesday, was represented by solicitor Tom Hancock, appearing on behalf of legal aid.
Mr Hancock said there were two significant issues that needed to be resolved before the matter could proceed to trial.
“We have at least two issues in relation to the 590AA – the first will be an application to exclude portions of an expert report,” Mr Hancock said.
“The other will be an application to exclude evidence of my client’s driving prior to the crash itself.”
Crown prosecutor Monique Sheppard told the court she was seeking a trial date, but both parties conceded a hearing regarding the evidence would take only two hours to resolve.
“This is a matter that involves three deaths and permanent injuries to two other complainants, since presentation the Crown has consistently asked for a trial listing,” Ms Sheppard said.
“In my submission, it’s appropriate given the nature of the matter that it be preserved as a number one listing as soon as it is able to be accommodated by the court next year.”
Mr Hancock said the only possible issue he could see with being given an immediate trial listing was that his client had recently secured funding for a further expert report, which was anticipated to be completed by the end of February, next year.
“My concern is that upon receipt of the report, if it is the case we intend to rely on it and disclose it to the Crown, the Crown may want to obtain something regarding their own opinion of this particular issue,” Mr Hancock said.
Judge Gregory Lynham gave the matter a trial listing of April 27, 2026, saying that time frame would give both parties time to secure expert advice if needed.
A pre-trial hearing date was set for March 6. Mr Cafe’s bail was enlarged.
Originally published as Bus driver accused of causing three deaths in fatal crash faces 2026 trial
