Nowra: Nathan Laidlaw to be sentenced for dangerous driving occasioning death

It’s been nearly two years since an 88-year-old woman was killed in a horrific collision on the NSW south coast, with the young P-plater responsible waiting to be sentenced.

Nathan Laidlaw leaving the Nowra Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann.

A P-plater will be sentenced 18 months after striking down and killing an elderly woman during an illegal turn on the NSW south coast.

Shirley Thompson was 88-years-old when she was struck by Nathan Laidlaw’s car in the Nowra CBD on June 14, 2023.

The 25-year-old was travelling along Worrigee St when he made an illegal turn onto Nowra Lane when he hit Ms Thompson as she was crossing the road.

Agreed facts tendered to court state one of Laidlaw’s passengers pointed out a “no right turn” sign before the young provisional driver made the manoeuvre.

The collision sent Ms Thompson flying off the car’s bonnet and onto the pavement, causing a laceration to her hand and a brain bleed.

Nathan Jay Laidlaw was allegedly driving along Nowra Ln and Worrigee St when he hit 88-year-old Shirley Thompson. Picture: Google Maps.

She was taken to the Shoalhaven District Hospital following the crash, and died shortly afterwards.

Laidlaw was taken to the Nowra Police Station, where an oral fluid test revealed he had methamphetamine and cocaine in his system at the time.

Nathan Laidlaw will be sentenced in December. Picture: Tom McGann.

Agreed facts state Laidlaw told police officers he “didn’t see” Ms Thompson when he made the turn.

Laidlaw was granted bail and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving a vehicle with an illicit drug present and not complying with P2 passenger restriction. He pleaded guilty to the charges in Nowra Local Court in October.

Nathan Laidlaw will be sentenced in the Nowra District Court. Picture: Dylan Arvela.

The case was moved to Nowra District Court on Monday before Judge Christopher O’Brien, where it was adjourned for sentencing on December 12.

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