Zisi Kokotatsios pleads not guilty to dangerous driving charges over death of Tamarama lawyer Mitch East

A real estate director who was working as an Uber driver when he allegedly hit and killed a promising young lawyer in Sydney’s east will stand trial to fight the charges.

Real estate director Zisi Kokotatsios when he was released on bail. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

A real estate director who was working as an Uber driver when he allegedly hit and killed a promising lawyer in Sydney’s east will fight the charges.

First Impression Property Group managing director Zisi Kokotatsios, 65, faced John Maddison Tower court on Thursday where he pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, driver using a mobile phone, and a backup charge of negligent driving occasioning death.

Around 4am on March 17 last year, Kokotatsios – who was en route to pick up a rideshare passenger – allegedly hit 28 year-old lawyer Mitch East who was lying on the road outside his home.

Mr East, who had just been dropped home by an Uber, was found with critical injuries and died at the scene.

It is alleged Kokotatsios was using his phone at the time and continued driving after the impact.

Mitch East was struck by a car and killed on Fletcher Rd in Tamarama around 4am on March 17, 2024. Picture: Supplied

Mr East was a Harvard Graduate who had moved to Sydney from his native New Zealand to take up a position at leading firm Arnold Bloch Leibler.

In a company email sent to staff following his death, Mr East was described as a talented lawyer, and a popular and valued member of the firm.

Kokotatsios has pleaded not guilty

The matter has been before the court for well over a year, during which time Kokotatsios has been subject to strict bail conditions.

Kokotatsios will return to the District Court on August 22, where he will be arraigned.