Bert Vieira hits out at police officer for not appearing in court

Sydney racing identity Bert Vieira has criticised the police officer accused over a car crash which left his wife in a coma for not appearing in court today.

• Bert Vieira to sue after crash
• Vieira vows to stop high-speed chases
• Police officer charged over crash

Sydney racing identity Bert Vieira has criticised the police officer accused over a car crash which left his wife in a coma for not appearing in court today.

Highway Patrol officer Harry Little was pursuing another driver in Cronulla when his car slammed into Gai Vieira’s, leaving her critically injured on September 5.

Little has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

An angry Bert Vieira leaves court supported by family. Picture: John Grainger

Bert Vieira said he was “disgusted” the police officer didn’t appear at court. Picture: John Grainger

Ms Vieira’s family has been keeping a bedside vigil for 10 weeks in hospital and on Monday several relatives came to Downing Centre Local Court where Little’s matter was briefly heard for the first time.

More News

Inside Harriet Wran’s new life after ice addiction

Disastrous full impact of NRL’s penalty crackdown

Woman charged over strawberry needle sabotage

The 40-year-old senior constable was not required in court today.

Speaking outside court, Mr Vieira, said he was nevertheless “totally disgusted” the officer did not attend court.

Gai Vieira remains in a coma 10 weeks after the accident. Her grandson was unhurt in the crash.

Highway Patrol officer Harry Little was pursuing another driver before the crash. Picture: TNV

Ms Vieira’s three-year-old grandson Tyler escaped the accident unhurt and she has been moving her toes when played recordings of the child saying “Nanny, Nanny”.

Mr Vieira says he’s noticed “very slight” signs of improvement in his wife.

“We grab at anything; a blink of an eye, a swallow ... they say it’ll take a long time, a miracle, but I’m here every single day,” he said.

Little has been suspended on full pay and his lawyer said he was holding up “as well as can be expected”.

“It’s a difficult time for him,” Warwick Anderson said outside court.

Mr Vieira has publicly blasted police minister Troy Grant over the 22 days it took to charge Little with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Gai Vieira was critically injured when a police car crashed into her Mercedes. Picture: TNV

The horse owner has vowed to sue police or the government.

Little was allegedly travelling at 124km/h without lights or sirens in pursuit of another driver on their mobile phone when the collision occurred on The Kingsway.

Mr Vieira has withdrawn from racing to be at his wife’s side.

Little’s matter was adjourned until February 5 to allow for conference with experts and due to the complex nature of the brief of evidence.

Racing identity Bert Vieira. Picture: John Grainger

Bert Vieira outside court. Picture: John Grainger