Hashem El Asmar in court over Leidy Rincon tunnel crash death
A man who was allegedly under the influence of drugs when he crashed in the Sydney Airport Tunnel has fronted court for the first time. Leidy Rincon was killed in the horror crash in February this year with a number of others badly injured
Southern Courier
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An alleged drug driver accused of causing a fatal collision in the Sydney Airport Tunnel, tragically killing 29-year-old Colombian woman Leidy Rincon, has fronted court for the first time.
Bass Hill man Hashem El Asmar, 35, was charged with three offences, including driving with illicit drug present and negligent driving occasioning death six months after the deadly crash on General Holmes Drive, Mascot on February 6.
The 35-year-old sat silently as his lawyer told Downing Centre Local Court his client was pleading not guilty to all charges. One of the charges was having the illegal drug delta-tetrahyldrocannibol – found in cannabis plants – in his blood at the time of the collision.
Leidy Rincon was one of four women travelling to work through the Sydney Airport tunnel about 5.40am when they collided with another white Ford Falcon, driven by El Asmar, that had crossed onto the wrong side of the road.
Three other women carpooling with Ms Rincon in their Honda CRV were injured in the crash.
Shortly after the fatal crash, a GoFundMe page was set up by the Colombian community in Sydney to help “bring her body back home”.
El Asmar said nothing to waiting media as he left Downing Centre Local Court with his lawyer on Friday.
The matter will return to the same court next month.