Merrylands West: Trial set for alleged street racers Jim Malamas, Mohammed Saleh

A trial date has been set for two men who allegedly raced on a western Sydney highway before colliding into the car of a young woman who later died in hospital.

Two men who are defending allegations of street racing at Merrylands West in 2020 that led to them colliding with the car driven by Claire Georgey will face trial on September 26.

Mohammad Abdulmunim Saleh was allegedly street racing with Jim Spiros Malamas on September 7, 2020, before his Nissan Skyline sports car collided with Miss Georgey’s southbound Subaru Forester wagon at the Cumberland Highway and Bruce St intersection at 10.30pm.

The popular former Merrylands High School student’s car burst into flames and the 22-year-old died after clinging to life in hospital for a week.

Mr Malamas, of Greystanes, was charged with eight offences — including aid and/or abet an offence – aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death (speed greater than 45km/h); aid and/or abet an offence – aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (more than 5 km/h over limit) and organise, promote street racing.

The 44 year old has pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Jim Malamas. Picture: Facebook

Mohammad Abdulmunim Saleh.

Mr Saleh, of Guildford, was charged with seven offences and pleaded not guilty to aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death- speed; aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm 45 km/h over limit; dangerous driving occasioning death-drive speed dangerous and dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - drive speed dangerous.

He has not entered pleas for organise, promote race between vehicles; negligent driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

At Parramatta District Court on Friday, a trial date was set for September 26.

The trial is expected to run for 10 days.

Bail for the two co-accused was continued.

Claire Georgey (far left) with peers at Merrylands High School in 2014. Picture: Adam Taylor

Miss Georgey’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from her family and friends who remembered the vibrant young woman as a “beautiful ray of light” who loved the Parramatta Eels and travelling.

“Why this crazy world had to lose a beautiful ray of light,’’ one friend posted on Facebook.

“Gone too soon precious Angel Claire. Love you forever Claire such a bright, beaming light.’’

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