John Schaeffer: David Monk faces court over art collector’s death
A judge has lashed out at the continued delays in the case of a man alleged to have run over a beloved eastern suburbs art collector and philanthropist.
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UPDATE
A furious judge has slammed the prosecution for yet another delay in the case of a man accused of running over a businessman entreating them to consider the “emotional impact” the drawn out proceedings were having on the victim’s family.
David Bradley Monk is charged with allegedly reversing over renowned art collector John Schaeffer, 79, on Macquarie St last July.
Monk faces a host of charges including one count each of dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving causing death and driving under the influence of drugs.
However, the charges have yet to be certified and Chief Magistrate Graeme Henson was not impressed when the matter came before him in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.
The prosecution explained the person overseeing the case had gone on sick leave leading to the delay and asked for a further week’s adjournment.
“This is six months,” said Judge Henson.
“We don’t object to it,” Monk’s lawyer said.
“Well aren’t you lucky,” Judge Henson said to the prosecutor.
Judge Henson agreed to extend the charge certification date until March 4 but delivered some cutting remarks in the process.
“Does anyone in the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) understand the emotional impact on families who have lost loved ones?”
“Yes Your Honour,” replied the prosecutor.
“Well you might but it doesn’t seem the crown prosecutor’s office does,” Judge Henson said.
EARLIER
Rich-lister killed after driver's alleged ‘illegal U-turn’
By Anton Rose, August 26, 2020
A man who police allege collided with a high profile rich-lister in the Sydney CBD has been hit with fresh charges after the elderly art collector died in hospital last month.
David Bradley Monk, 48, allegedly hit John Schaeffer while driving his ute in July on Macquarie St after making an illegal U-turn, court documents state.
Mr Schaeffer died in hospital a few days later and Monk has now been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, among other driving offences.
Mr Schaeffer, a renowned art-collector who was recently awarded an Order of Australia, was tragically killed when Monk allegedly hit him just before 5pm on one of Sydney’s busiest streets.
His death sent shockwaves through the arts world and has recently seen a flurry of items in his collection go to auction.
Just yesterday auction house Leonard Joel sent a number of his personal items under the hammer.
Mr Schaeffer was one of Australia’s leading success stories, arriving in the 1960s after leaving the Netherlands and landing a spot on the rich list with a net worth of $110 million in 2000.
A keen philanthropist, Mr Schaeffer leaves behind his partner, daughter and three grandchildren.
Having called the eastern suburbs home for several decades Mr Schaeffer broke property records in 2002 with the $20.2 million purchase of an Elizabeth Bay mansion.
“John has made a significant contribution to the National Portrait Gallery of Australia since the Gallery’s inception. He was a Founding Benefactor, and was on the Gallery’s Board from 2000 to 2005,” the National Portrait Gallery said.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief. We extend our deepest sympathy to Bettina Dalton and to all other members of John’s family.
“John has left an extraordinary legacy to the people of Australia through his passion, commitment and dedication to advancing the arts in Australia.”
Monk’s charges were briefly mentioned in the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday and adjourned to be heard back in the same court next month.
He has yet to enter a plea, according to court documents.
NEWS TIPS: ANTON.ROSE@NEWS.COM.AU