Tarliah Defina charged over double crash deaths of Tristan English and Jordan Chetcuti
The sole survivor of a horror car crash where a car plunged into a northern NSW river from a bridge – leaving two men dead – now stands accused of being the driver responsible.
The sole survivor of a horror car crash where a car plunged into a northern NSW river from a bridge – leaving two men dead – now stands accused of being the driver responsible.
Tarliah Defina, 23, appeared before Magistrate Miranda Moody in the Bail Division Court on Friday.
Emergency services were called at 10pm on Wednesday, March 26, to Droneys Bridge Rd, Fairy Hill, near Casino, following reports of a single-vehicle crash.
Police stated that a Ford XR6, allegedly being driven by Defina, was travelling along Droneys Bridge Road before the car left the roadway and plunged into the Richmond River.
Defina reportedly managed to escape the vehicle with only minor scratches and bruising, while her two passengers, Tristan English and Jordan Chetcuti, drowned.
Following extensive inquiries, police arrested Defina at her Glen Innes unit on Thursday afternoon, where she was formally charged.
No pleas have yet been entered.
She faces two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), and driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period.
Police allege Defina was driving while disqualified with the two passengers, lost control, collided with a fence and post, continued, then crashed into a bridge where the vehicle rolled, leading to the drowning of Mr English and Mr Chetcuti.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Uren opposed bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the defendant’s alleged driving history.
Sgt Uren asserted the prosecution’s case was strong, including witness evidence, CCTV footage reportedly showing Defina as the driver prior to the collision, and forensic examination matching her seating position.
The prosecution highlighted Defina’s previous traffic offences, including multiple instances of driving unlicensed or with an expired licence, and illicit drug presence while driving.
Interstate warrants for contravening apprehended violence orders were also noted.
Sgt Uren argued that a conviction would likely result in a full-time custodial sentence, stating no bail conditions could mitigate “unacceptable risks”.
Defence counsel Greg Coombs agreed that if convicted for dangerous driving causing death, there would be a “very strong likelihood of a custodial sentence”.
However, he challenged the prosecution to prove his client was the driver and to establish the high threshold for dangerous driving.
“She says she wasn’t driving,” Coombs said.
He emphasised her “limited prior traffic history” and significant mental health issues since the incident, adding that she was “dealing with that loss herself” after the deaths of her friends.
Despite the prosecution’s opposition, Ms Moody granted bail under strict conditions.
Defina must reside at her Glen Innes address, adhere to a 9pm to 6am curfew, and report to Glen Innes police three times weekly.
She is forbidden from consuming alcohol and illicit drugs, with police authorised to conduct random checks and tests at her residence.
Defina is forbidden from occupying the driver’s seat of any motor vehicle.
As part of her bail, Defina must immediately contact the Glen Innes Health Hub for appointments to address mental health and potential addiction issues.
She is due to face Armidale Court on November 18.
