Liz Albornoz Epping crash: Accused Keith Lockrey faces court
The elderly man who is alleged to have been at the wheel when a car smashed into an Epping cafe killing a mother-of-two could face upgraded charges. The case appeared before court for the first time since the tragic incident in February.
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The elderly driver accused of killing mother-of-two Liz Albornoz after his car smashed into a cafe could have his charges upgraded, a court has heard.
Ms Albornoz and a group of other mums had been sitting at an outdoor cafe table in North Epping on Friday February 29.
Just after 10am, Keith Lockrey, 89, had been driving a silver Holden Commodore on Malton Road when it hit Ms Albornoz and pinned her.
She died in hospital hours later and nine others were also injured.
Lockrey, from Epping, was set to appear in court for the first time on Monday but he was excused.
He is charged with three negligent driving charges including driving causing death.
The police prosecutor told the court that they would not be accepting any pleas at this stage and hinted Lockrey could be slapped with further charges.
Lockrey’s lawyer, who appeared via email, said pleas of guilty were indicated but not entered for each of the charges.
Magistrate Greg Grogin asked the prosecutor, “Could there be an upgrade in charges?”
“Possibly your honour,” she replied.
Ms Albornoz’s husband Victor Simone previously said he hopes to one day forgive the driver whose car crashed into his wife.
“I don’t want to feel hate, I’ve never met the driver,” he said.
“My priority is to help my daughters grow, to try to continue life as normal although it can never be the same.
“The driver has asked to meet me through the police, for now I can’t — perhaps one day that will change.”
The matter was adjourned until August 24.