Uber driver Harpreet Singh charged over death of Ghadi Nakhoul in crash on Old Windsor Rd, Winston Hills

An Uber driver was allegedly swiping through the rideshare app when he hit a broken-down car in Sydney’s northwest, killing the son of a well-known religious figure. Here’s what happened in court.

Ghadi Nakhoul (left) was killed when an Uber driver allegedy crashed into his broken-down car.

An Uber driver was allegedly swiping through the rideshare app when he hit a broken-down car in Sydney’s northwest, killing the son of a well-known religious figure.

Police allege Acacia Gardens man Harpreet Singh, 42, was on his phone and driving dangerously when his car crashed into 28-year-old Ghadi Nakhoul’s vehicle at Winston Hills between 1.15am and 1.20am on Thursday.

Mr Nakhoul’s black SUV was on the side of Old Windsor Rd when Singh’s white utility allegedly hit it, forcing it onto a nature strip where it struck the 28-year-old.

Police raced to the scene and performed first aid on Mr Nakhoul — the son of Deacon Ghassan Nakhoul — but could not save him.

The Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook on Thursday, describing Mr Nakhoul as a “much-beloved son, brother, uncle, friend and a leader in our parish community”.

Ghadi Nakhoul died in a crash at Winston Hills early on Thursday morning. Picture: Supplied

Deacon Ghassan Nakhoul, whose son was killed in the crash.

“Ghadi led by example. He was hard-working and committed to his family, his friends and above all his faith,” the cathedral’s post said.

“He loved the lord his God, he loved his church family, and this inspired in him the desire to serve in the community.

“He was a beloved teens leader, sacrificing so much of his time to teach the faith and inspire the hearts of our young people.

“Our parish family and indeed the Maronite community in Australia is better off for having been blessed with Ghadi’s presence and we are indeed devastated about the news of his passing into eternal life.”

Singh, who escaped the crash without injury, has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death and using a mobile phone when not permitted as a driver.

He is yet to enter pleas, and was granted bail when he faced Blacktown Local Court on Thursday afternoon.

Harpreet Singh faced Blacktown Local Court from the dock on Thursday, hours after he was charged over the death of 28-year-old Ghadi Nakhoul. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The court heard Singh had been on his way home from an Uber driving shift at Peakhurst when he allegedly opened the rideshare company’s app and began swiping to see if there were any ride requests nearby.

He then allegedly looked back up to see the back of the black SUV, with which he then collided.

The court heard Singh allegedly told police he took his eyes off the road for 10 to 20 seconds, and that he was estimated to have driven 194m “blind”.

Defence lawyer Peter Guirguis told the court his client disputed claims he had told police he took his eyes off the road for a consecutive 10 to 20 seconds.

Mr Guirguis said Singh was remorseful for his actions, and while Mr Nakhoul’s car was stationary, the 42-year-old believed the SUV’s tail lights and headlights were illuminated.

One of Singh’s relatives, in Perth, was also willing to put up a $20,000 surety, which would be forfeited if Singh breached bail conditions.

Magistrate Rami Attia ultimately granted Singh bail, imposing the surety and conditions requiring him to surrender his passport, not drive or apply for a driver’s licence in any other state, remain in Australia and report to police twice a week.

The 42-year-old is expected to next face Penrith Local Court on January 10, 2025.