Adam Moule: New charge over motorbike rider Matthew Butcher’s death at Palm Beach

Matthew Butcher was killed when his motorbike was hit by a truck at Palm Beach, driven by Adam Moule (pictured), allegedly under the influence of cannabis.

A furniture removal van driver, accused of causing the death of a motorcyclist in a collision on the northern beaches, has been hit with another serious charge after allegations he was driving under the influence of a prohibited drug.

Adam Moule, 29, from the Brisbane suburb of Annerley, was charged with one count of negligent driving causing death.

Police have now added one count of dangerous driving causing death, Manly Local Court heard on Wednesday.

Matthew Butcher, 46, a father-of-four from Pagewood, died when he was struck by the truck allegedly driven by Mr Moule at a T-junction at Palm Beach on a Sunday morning in April.

Documents tendered to court stated that at the time of the incident, Mr Moule was allegedly “driving under the influence” of cannabis.

Manly Local Court heard on April 12, when Mr Moule applied for bail, that he allegedly told police he had been using cannabis about 36 hours before the incident.

Mr Moule, who is on bail, was not in court on Wednesday due to illness.

The truck driver has also been charged with one count each of not give way to a vehicle (right turn into terminating road); possess prohibited drug (cannabis) and; possess equipment to administer prohibited drug (grinder).

Adam Moule, 29, from Annerley in Queensland, leaves Manly Court on April 12 after being granted bail. He is now facing a new charge of dangerous driving causing death. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

He is yet to enter any formal pleas.

Mr Butcher had been riding his motorcycle — described by his family as his “pride and joy” — along with two other friends on motorcycles, south on Barrenjoey Rd, near the intersection with Surf Rd, when his motorbike and the truck collided just before 9am on April 11.

Matthew Butcher, 46, of Pagewood, was a married father of four. Picture: Supplied by Butcher family

He was thrown from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene.

At his first court appearance on April 12, Mr Moule’s Legal Aid solicitor said that his client did not agree with all the police facts in relation to the incident.

Mr Moule will be back in Manly court on September 1 for the return of the balance of the brief of evidence.