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Regional News
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An East Ballina man charged over a fatal crash on a major highway that claimed the life of a Lindendale farmer has claimed he suffered a Covid-induced blackout behind the wheel.
Lovepreet Singh, 28, appeared before Judge Jonathan Priestley in Lismore District Court for a readiness hearing for his scheduled February trial.
Singh pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death and negligent driving causing death on June 19.
Defence solicitor Jarrad McAuliffe applied to vacate the February trial date to allow time to prepare his case, arguing he had only been given instructions since June due to “availability issues” for someone to represent Singh, and the need for an interpreter.
He said Singh had a language barrier and limited ability to understand English.
“It is Mr Singh’s position that he suffered a blackout at the time of the crash … it needs to be explored,” Mr McAuliffe said.
The court heard no requests for reports had been filed.
Mr McAuliffe raised objections over content of a subpoena that contained a workers compensation claim Singh had filed over the crash.
He said information Singh disclosed to police in the subpoena was not mentioned in Singh’s affidavit for the court, and the affidavit was not served from the DPP.
The Crown said the officer in charge received a note from the insurer regarding a claim from Singh they were investigating.
The court heard the workers compensation file included accounts given and medical issues suffered by the accused.
It was alleged police had all relevant information to the case yet the defence did not.
Judge Priestley described it as “a fishing expedition”.
He granted access to the subpoena material and ordered Mr McAuliffe to notify of any objections before handing it to the Crown by January 12.
Mr Priestley dismissed the application to vacate the trial which is scheduled for February 12.
It is expected to take five days.
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