Narooma: Robert Salerno charged with dangerous driving occasioning death after fatal crash

The man police allege was behind the horrific crash which killed a young woman on a major south coast highway has fronted court for the first time.

Robert Salerno faced Narooma Local Court on Thursday, charged with dangerous driving occasioning in death.

A man whose dangerous driving allegedly killed a young woman on the NSW south coast late last year, has faced court for the first time since the tragedy.

Robert Salerno, 40, from Campbelltown in South Australia, faced Narooma Local Court on Thursday, after he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, three counts of dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm and two counts of negligent driving.

Salerno has not yet entered pleas to any of the charges.

Police documents tendered to Narooma Local Court allege on the afternoon of December 30, Salerno was driving his Audi dangerously along the Princes Hwy before he crashed into multiple other vehicles.

The crash killed 39-year-old Holly Deacon immediately and left Marcus Asalemo, Eric Asalemo and Alfreda Mareci with injuries.

Robert Salerno leaving Narooma Local Court.

While Ms Deacon died at the scene, the three injured victims and Salerno were flown to St George Hospital in Sydney where they were treated.

At Narooma Local Court on Thursday, Salerno’s lawyer, Gregory Goold, said the matter should be moved to Batemans Bay Local Court, due to the seriousness of the charges.

It was a suggestion Magistrate Doug Dick did not oppose.

“Given this is a DPP matter, Batemans Bay Court would be the appropriate place to have it heard,” he said.

Mr Dick also informed Salerno he did not need to appear in court in person, due to him residing in South Australia.

“There is no point in you coming all that way again, so we will make sure you can join via video link,” he said.

Serlano’s matter was adjourned and will continue at Batemans Bay Local Court on July 10.