Unusual request from Paul Ghassibe to delay Springfield Rd crash case

The defence team for a father who allegedly drove too fast on the wrong side of the road has made an ‘unusual’ request in a fatal crash case. Here’s why there will be a delay.

Paul Raymond Ghassibe has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death after he allegedly caused a horrific collision at Catherine Fields by driving too fast on the wrong side of the road.

A father-of-two who allegedly drove too fast on the wrong side of the road and caused a fatal collision will delay entering a plea after an “unusual request”.

Paul Raymond Ghassibe, 38, was charged earlier this year with dangerous driving occasioning death; negligent driving occasioning death; and not keeping left of a dividing line.

About 8pm on Sunday February 13, police allege Mr Ghassibe was driving a white Mercedes SUV on the wrong side of Springfield Rd in Catherine Field when it hit the victim’s car.

The victim’s car spun 135 degrees and stopped in the middle of the northbound lane where he remained trapped in the car, court documents state.

The 55-year-old driver of the Toyota suffered critical injuries and died in his vehicle.

Crash investigators on the scene at Springfield Road, Catherine Field after a fatal crash on February 13. Picture: Annie Lewis

At Picton Local Court on Friday, a representative for the Director of Public Prosecutions said the matter needed to be adjourned for more than 15 weeks.

“It’s a dangerous driving occasioning death matter, and part of the vehicle that displays speed has been sent to Germany for testing on the defence’s request,” he said.

“The result of that may or may not determine the plea.”

Magistrate Mark Douglass said it was an “unusual” request but agreed to adjourn it until March 10.

Police allege Mr Ghassibe’s car rotated a full 360 degrees before continuing for about 40m and sideswiping a power pole.

“Serious damage was occasioned to the accused and victim’s vehicles,” court documents said.

“Commission of the offence caused the death of the victim … [and] obvious trauma to the victim’s family … the defendant did not make admissions to the offences, claiming the deceased party to have been at fault.

“Police have obtained CCTV footage which depicts the manner in which the accused and the victim are driving directly prior to the collision.”

Mr Ghassibe remains on bail.