Lovepreet Singh: East Ballina man accused of dangerous, negligent driving causing death needs new legal counsel ahead of trial

A Northern Rivers driver charged over the car crash death of a farmer on a major highway now has to find new lawyers just weeks away from trial.

Singh faced Lismore District Court.

An East Ballina man charged over the car crash death of a Lindendale farmer on a major highway in northern NSW now has to find new lawyers seven weeks out from his trial.

Lovepreet Singh, 29, claims a “Covid-induced blackout” led to the crash and the death of Lismore-area man Peter Johnstone, 61, on the Bruxner Highway

Lovepreet Singh (right) outside Lismore Courthouse.

Singh pleaded not guilty on June 19 last year to dangerous driving causing death and negligent driving causing death.

It’s alleged Singh’s manner of driving led to a two-vehicle crash between his white Toyota Hiace van and a ute driven by Mr Johnston on the highway at Uralba, about 10 kilometres west of Ballina, on January 8, 2022.

Singh’s case was mentioned before Judge Jonathan Priestley in Lismore District Court on Wednesday.

Defence solicitor Jarrad McAuliffe told the court over videolink that Singh was ready for trial – but he was no longer available to appear for him.

Mr McAuliffe previously applied to move Singh’s February trial date to allow more time to prepare his case.

The lawyer told the court of “availability issues” regarding representation and an interpreter.

The crash happened on the Bruxner Hwy.

Singh was trapped in the van after the crash and had to be treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being flown to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious but stable condition

Mr Johnston died on scene and the highway was closed for hours after the crash.

Singh has been on bail after entering pleas 17 months after the crash.

Several members of Mr Johnston’s family were present in the gallery as the court heard the prosecution wanted to verify elements of Singh’s claim he suffered a “Covid-induced blackout”, leading to the crash.

The Crown said they wanted to verify Covid tests and “double check” hospital medical records.

“We’re waiting on a cardiologist’s report we still haven’t received,” a prosecutor said. The report was due in about a month.

“The court notes the cardiologist’s report is overdue,” Judge Priestley said.

Judge Priestley told Mr McAuliffe to “find a substitute” before next Wednesday.

“Have everything ready to proceed by next week,” he said.

The case was adjourned to September 4.

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