Charles John Torrens pleads guilty to string of charges after drink driving death of Joan Harrison

A drink driver who mowed down two elderly women – one later dying from her injuries – has pleaded guilty in a North Coast court. Here’s the latest.

Barker Street Casino where Torrens ran over two women in their 70s while three times the legal limit resulting in the death of one due to her injuries.

A Richmond Valley drink driver who mowed down two elderly women – one later dying from her injuries – has pleaded guilty in a North Coast court.

Charles John Torrens, 57, appeared via audio visual link before Judge Jonathan Priestley in Lismore District Court on Wednesday.

Charles John Torrens has pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – PCA, cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle, and shoplifting. Picture: Tessa Mapstone

Torrens pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – PCA, cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle, and shoplifting.

Emergency services were called to Barker St, Casino after two women were struck by a Toyota Camry sedan about 11am on April 13, 2023.

Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics administered CPR to Joan Harrison, aged 73, before she was flown to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

Sadly, Ms Harrison died in hospital as a result of her extensive injuries the following day.

Barker Street Casino where Torrens ran over two women in their 70s while three times the legal limit resulting in the death of one due to her injuries.

Patricia Hogan, 74, was treated by paramedics and taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious condition.

Investigators from Richmond Police District attended and established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police.

Torrens returned a positive breath test at the scene and later recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.155 – more than three times the limit.

Police allege that on the same day of the fatal crash, Torrens entered a Coles supermarket and stole $195 worth of groceries.

Mr Priestley ordered a sentencing assessment report and Torrens is due to reappear in Lismore District Court on July 31 for sentence.

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