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Gai Vieira crash: Voice of grandson replayed in hospital results in movement

THE wife of racehorse owner Bert Vieira has barely moved since the accident that left her in a coma, but she responds to one special sound.

Distraught husband wants charged NSW cop fired

GAI Vieira wriggles her toes at the sound of her grandson’s voice.

Other than this, the comatose wife of racehorse owner Bert Vieira has barely moved a muscle since her Mercedes was allegedly T-boned by a speeding police car on The Kingsway at Cronulla on September 5.

The family of Ms Vieira has been playing her audio recordings of her three-year-old grandson Tyler, who survived the crash unhurt, crying “Nanny, Nanny” and singing.

“She makes a move, her toes, every time she hears Tyler’s voice. Tyler’s the main one … because he was in the accident,” Mr Vieira said­.

Bert Vieira speaks at a press conference outside St George Hospital. Picture: Tim Hunter
Bert Vieira speaks at a press conference outside St George Hospital. Picture: Tim Hunter

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Police yesterday charged the 40-year-old male senior constable who was at the wheel of the Highway Patrol car travelling 124km/h when the cars collided.

He was allegedly in pursuit of another motorist on their mobile phone without lights and sirens going.

But the decision to lay charges has brought little comfort to Mr Vieira who criticised the time taken. “It would have been fantastic if they’d charged him the first day or the second day, not the 22nd day. To me they’re finding a way out,” Mr Vieira said.

Police inspect the wreck of Mrs Vieira’s Mercedes after the collision earlier this month. Picture: TNV
Police inspect the wreck of Mrs Vieira’s Mercedes after the collision earlier this month. Picture: TNV
The officer is scheduled to face one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. Picture: TNV
The officer is scheduled to face one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. Picture: TNV

The officer is scheduled to face one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm at Downing Centre Local Court in November.

Mr Vieira said he felt for the officer involved but still thought he should be sacked.

“I mean my wife’s in hospital. I want him to lose his job,” he said.

Bert Vieira (left), wife Gai and owners of Trapeze Artist celebrate after a race win at Randwick in April.
Bert Vieira (left), wife Gai and owners of Trapeze Artist celebrate after a race win at Randwick in April.
Mrs Vieira at a racing function.
Mrs Vieira at a racing function.

Mr Vieira has previously hit out at NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy over a statement he released after the crash in which he said police had a policy to “to make it safe for members of the community and for police”.

“It’s an insult to my family and to everyone that has been hurt by a police car chase,” Mr Vieira said.

He still plans to continue a civil case against NSW Police over the crash.

He has withdrawn from the family’s considerable racing interests and said that he would not attend The Everest carnival at Randwick Racecourse next month where the family’s champion horse Trapeze Artist was running.

“I won’t go to the races until she gets up,” he said.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/gai-vieira-crash-voice-of-grandson-replayed-in-hospital-results-in-movement/news-story/8956e37e58fe09cf67de45cad71fa312