Lovepreet Singh walks on crash death of ‘much loved’ Lindendale grandfather

A man who claims he had “no idea” why he crossed double lines and ploughed into the drivers door of an oncoming ute – killing a northern NSW grandfather – has escaped jail time, leaving the victim’s family “shattered”.

Lovepreet Singh, (in orange turban) with support leaving Lismore Courthouse. He was convicted and sentenced to an 18 month community correction order after the crash death of Lindendale farmer and grandfather Peter Johnston in January 2022.

A Ballina man who claims he had “no idea” why he crossed double lines and ploughed into the drivers door of an oncoming ute – killing northern New South Wales grandfather Peter Johnston – has escaped jail time.

Lovepreet Singh, 31, appeared before Judge Jonathan Priestley in Lismore District Court on Monday for sentencing.

Members of the heartbroken Johnston family filled the gallery.

The case, which has dragged on for more than three years, has suffered countless delays and adjournments due to Singh’s legal representation issues.

Since his arrest in June 2022, Singh has proclaimed his innocence.

Right: Lovepreet Singh outside Lismore Courthouse.

On June 19, 2023 in his absence before Judge Jennifer English, Singh pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death-drive – manner dangerous – and negligent driving occasioning death as a secondary charge.

It was heard on Monday the charge of dangerous driving occasioning death had been withdrawn and Singh had pleaded guilty to the secondary charge of negligent driving occasioning death instead.

Bruxner Hwy at Uralba where Lovepreet Singh, 31 failed to take the bend and ploughed into the drivers side door of Lindendale grandfather Peter Johnston, 61, killing him on January 8, 2022.

The court heard Singh was driving from Ballina to Lismore when he crossed double lines, hitting the drivers door of Johnston’s ute.

A witness saw no brake lights or collision avoidance from Singh.

Despite Johnston’s attempt to evade, he suffered severe injuries and died en route to hospital.

Singh told police he had “no idea” why the accident occurred.

Police investigations found no speed, substance influence, mechanical failures, or excessive braking as factors in the collision.

Lovepreet Singh, (in orange turban) with support leaving Lismore Courthouse.

The victim impact statements delivered by Peter’s family painted a vivid picture of the profound loss they have endured.

Peter’s 87-year-old mother expressed her deep fear and sorrow.

“Every time I hear a helicopter I fear because Peter died just before getting into the helicopter. How do you get over losing a son,” she said.

His daughter Hayley described the loss as a “shattering moment” that left the family broken, and said losing her dad was a “huge emotional toll”.

“My mum’s heart shattered at losing the love of her life,” she said.

Peter’s widow, Evon Johnston, shared the depth of her grief at losing her “soulmate” and “best mate” of 40 years.

“The pain of his absence is something I carry with me every day,” she said.

“The future is uncertain and lonely and I have changed as a person.

“Peter did not deserve to die on that day he did nothing wrong.”

Older brother Ron spoke about Peter’s role as a family man, saying he had “five beautiful kids he’ll never get to cuddle and see again”.

“He was a good man … Nothing can bring him back, no amount of money will replace him.”

Younger brother Wayne Johnston said he has spent “countless hours” thinking how a simple trip to Bunnings his brother had made hundreds of times would take his life.

“1937 days since the crash and it continues to have an impact on my emotional and mental health.”

Right: Lovepreet Singh outside Lismore Courthouse facing charges of Dangerous driving occ death-drive manner dangerous and Negligent driving (occasioning death).

Mr. Priestley said Singh failed to negotiate a left-hand bend and didn’t take evasive action to prevent the crash.

Singh, with no criminal history but prior speeding offenses, was dismissive about his driving and despite his brother, unbelted in the passenger seat, Singh was not charged.

He said despite legal closure, the family may find the sentence unjust, carrying “irreparable damage” for life.

Singh was convicted, given an 18-month community correction order, and must complete a driver safety program.

Singh’s licence suspension will expire on June 1.

Lovepreet Singh, (in orange turban) with support leaving Lismore Courthouse.

“For him to walk, it’s disappointing,” Wayne Johnston said.

“Peter saw him coming … three years on and we still don’t know the truth.”

He said the family know the accused didn’t tell the truth but if police had interviewed his brother who was the passenger it would “be a different story”.

Wayne said the judicial system was all for him, not for them.

“He’s never looked us in the eye – never attempted to make contact. His remorse letter is one paragraph and it wasn’t written by him.”

Wayne adored his brother and misses him and when he’s alone he still finds coping hard.

“ … he used to play footy, no matter what he’d be doing he never missed a game. He always did things he wasn’t asked to – that’s why he was a mentor to me and many others.”

“We’re gutted and bewildered,” Peter’s widow said.

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