Moruya: Jacob Ray going to trial after allegedly killing another in crash

A man accused of killing a 33-year-old in a horrific fatal crash on the NSW South Coast is set to go to trial, a court has heard.

The fatal crash saw traffic come to a halt on the Princes Hwy outside Moruya. Picture: Tom McGann.

A man accused of killing another in a horror south coast crash will go to trial more than a year since the tragic incident.

Jacob Ray, 24, first appeared in the Batemans Bay Local Court last year after allegedly killing a 33-year-old Narooma man in a fatal crash on the Princes Hwy outside Moruya on July 24, 2023.

The incident saw the Hawkesbury man charged with dangerous driving occasioning in death and negligent driving occasioning in death.

In Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, Ray’s lawyer Paul Cagluso said pleas of not guilty would be entered on the next occasion and a trial date would follow.

Ray was excused from appearing in court on Monday due to being legally represented and living 400km away from Batemans Bay.

Flowers were left at the scene of the fatal crash for the 33-year-old Narooma man who died. Picture: Tom McGann.

Police allege Ray was driving dangerously at 6.50am on July 24, 2023, when his Holden Colorado crashed head on into a Suzuki Jimny on the Princes Hwy, near Donnellys Rd, south of Moruya.

The 33-year-old driver of the Suzuki, who resided in Narooma, was freed by emergency services after being trapped for some time.

However, despite the best efforts and treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics, he died at the scene.

Ray – along with a 24-year-old female passenger – were also treated by paramedics before they were taken to the Moruya Hospital for assessment.

The Hawkesbury man was transferred to Canberra Hospital for further treatment while the female passenger was released.

Officers attached to South Coast Police District established a crime scene which was forensically examined by specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Just seven days following the tragic crash on July 29, Ray attended the Windsor Police Station in Hawkesbury where he spoke with investigators before he was charged.

The 24-year-old was granted conditional bail the same day.

In Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, Mr Cagluso said he would confirm not guilty pleas at the next appearance being a call-over at the Bega District Court.

Magistrate Doug Dick confirmed this would be the next step, having received a charge certificate signed by the DPP, Mr Cagluso and Ray.

Mr Dick adjourned the matter to the Bega District Court on July 3, where a trial date will be set.

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