Wadalba: Michael Roy Hoffman arraigned to face trial over fatal crash

A truck driver will face trial almost two years to the day after he was involved in a crash which killed a 17-year-old P-plater and seriously injured a woman, 46.

Truck driver Michael Roy Hoffman, 42, of East Maitland, has been charged with the alleged dangerous driving death of a 17-year-old P-plater and injuring another female driver in a crash at Wadalba. Picture: Facebook

A truck driver has denied being under the influence of meth or being responsible in any way for a crash which killed a 17-year-old P-plater and seriously injured a 46-year-old woman.

Michael Roy Hoffman, 42, of East Maitland, faced Gosford District Court on Thursday where he was arraigned on three charges including causing bodily harm by misconduct, driving under the influence of meth occasioning death and driving in a manner dangerous occasioning death.

Mr Hoffman pleaded “not guilty” as each charge was read out to him.

It comes after emergency services were called to a collision involving two cars and a Mack Trident rigid tipper truck on the Pacific Highway, at Wadalba, about 4.20pm on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

A 17-year-old male P-plate driver died at the scene.

Tuggerah Lakes Police District officers established a crime scene that was examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Hoffman was driving a Mack rigid tipper truck similar to this one pictured.

A 46-year-old female driver of a Mazda was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital with serious injuries including spinal damage.

Mr Hoffman was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment and mandatory testing.

He was discharged from hospital the following day.

The court heard the trial is expected to take five to seven days.

Judge Tanya Bright adjourned the matter for trial on August 25 next year with Mr Hoffman’s bail to continue.