Eastlakes cyclist crash: Eastern Suburbs Cycling Club victims speak after driver jailed for 18 months
TWO of the seven cyclists struck by a car in Sydney’s eastern suburbs have spoken after the man responsible for the crash was jailed for 18 months.
TWO cyclists who are still suffering from injuries they sustained when a car ploughed into their group have spoken after the man responsible for the incident was sentenced to a minimum 18 months in prison.
Thomas Kerr pleaded guilty to four counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and three of causing bodily harm by misconduct after he crashed his SUV into seven cyclists near Eastlakes, in the city’s east, on March 2014. He was travelling about 70km/h at the time.
After sentencing the 28-year-old was consoled by family before being led from the dock at Sydney District Court on Friday morning.
In sentencing Judge Brian Knox said the crash had a “devastating impact” on all seven victims and left some with permanent physical and emotional injuries. Several suffered serious spinal injuries.
An emotional Hans Dean, who suffered spinal injuries, told reporters the impact on his life had been “enormous”.
“I can’t sit or stand for long … I choose not to (cycle) at the moment because of headspace and injuries,” he said.
“I’m still not on a bike yet, I hope to be.”
The 49-year-old said he didn’t wish “any ill faith” on Mr Kerr or his family but was relieved the sentencing was over.
Gillian McDonald suffered severe injuries to her right arm and leg that required immediate surgery.
“I’ve been able to adjust to lots and lots of stuff (but) it’s still constantly uncomfortable. I haven’t got sensation back yet, (my hand) is not the same as it used to be,” she said
She was happy with the judge’s decision but was still feeling the effects of her injuries.
Judge Knox said the cyclists — part of the Eastern Suburbs Cycling Club — were clearly visible, travelling in a column and did nothing to contribute to the crash.
“Drivers need to pay attention to anyone on the road and change their behaviour depending on the circumstances,” Judge Knox said.
It’s not suggested that Mr Kerr deliberately drove into the group, but rather that it was the result of momentary inattention.
At the time he was not affected by alcohol and was about 10km/h under the speed limit on Southern Cross Drive.
He surrendered his license to police 10 days after the incident.
Mr Kerr delivered an apology to his victims, three of which were present, during a sentence hearing on Thursday.
In the speech he said he was truly remorseful and sorry and had found it confronting reading victim impact statement provided by the cyclists.
“My heart goes out to each one of you,” he said. “I will forever carry this burden.”
Kerr told the court he could partially relate to the psychological and physical damage he had caused as he had suffered injuries as an aspiring rugby league player.
He said he hopes his victims could forgive him.
Mr Kerr’s family declined to comment when approached outside court.
●Follow James on Twitter @JTJourno
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