Morgan Haverfield-Price: Truck driver faces court over fatal incident

A driver accused of killing a man in a road rage incident has been granted bail - despite him having been on bail for a similar alleged incident at the time of the fatal crash.

A truck driver charged over a fatal crash on Sydney’s north shore was on bail for another traffic offence at the time, a Sydney court has heard.

Morgan Haverfield-Price, 32, was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly became involved in an argument with a 57-year-old male driver on the corner of Fullers Rd and Park Ave in Chatswood at about 4.30pm.

Police allege both motorists were turning into Fullers Rd when the 57-year-old, who was driving a Ford Focus, got out of his car and grabbed onto the front passenger side of the truck while it attempted to drive away

Police allege the 57-year-old then lost his grip and was struck by the truck as the truck was moving.

Police at the scene of the incident on Wednesday evening. Picture: TNV

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

Haverfield-Price, 32, was taken to Chatswood Police Station and charged with negligent driving (occasioning death), drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and a breach of bail.

The North Strathfield man appeared via visual link in Hornsby Court on Thursday and did not enter a plea.

The court heard Price was on bail for a similar non-fatal offence at the time of Wednesday’s alleged incident.

Crown prosecutors opposed further bail due to potential risks to the community.

“The most concerning aspects are the similar aspects (of Haverfield-Price’s) driving behaviour in both matters,” prosecution submitted.

“It’s the willingness to continue the aggravation that placed people at risk in both scenarios.”

Price’s lawyer told the court his client suffered from mental health issues and was a “fragile and vulnerable individual”.

“There was an element of self defence, competing versions of what sadly the deceased was doing at the window of the truck. There are genuine triable issues,” his lawyer said.

“(My client) called 000. His conduct is consistent with the mindset of innocence and community obligation.”

Haverfield-Price’s lawyer proposed various bail conditions including house arrest, not being permitted to drive any vehicle and an offer of bail surety set at $35,000

“If he is prohibited from operating a vehicle and is under house arrest, then the temptation is also removed,” his lawyer said.

Magistrate Robyn Denes, in considering bail, raised concerns over the “flavour” of Price’s alleged offending.

The court heard the driver had been on bail at the time of the incident. Picture: TNV

“He was on bail for other driving related offences with the sole condition he be on good behaviour,” she said.

“I am satisfied the breach of bail has been established... primarily the way he turned on to Fullers Rd and the matter of driving down to where the ultimate incident occurred.

“They are both very serious allegations, the concern here is the similarity between them - both have the flavour of being road rage offences.”

Ms Denes said there were various risks associated with granting bail, but found they could be mitigated.

“The concern is the commission of further offences and endangering the community given the other matters on his record including driving while disqualified and driving while his licence was cancelled,” she said.

“The courts can never completely do away with risks (but) the risks can be mitigated.”

Haverfield-Price was granted bail with conditions including he not leave his home unless in the company of either of his parents, not approaching a prosecution witness, and not occupying the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

He is due to reappear in court on December 16.