Alec Vidot-Colema to fight charge over girlfriend Scarlett Lenehan’s death

A Sydney man charged over the death of his 20-year-old girlfriend in a horror car crash will go on trial to try and clear his name.

A Sydney man charged over the death of his 20-year-old girlfriend in a horror car crash will go on trial to try and clear his name.

Alec Vidot-Coleman, 22, of Carlingford, appeared in Downing Centre District Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to three charges including dangerous driving occasioning death over the incident in West Ryde in December, 2019.

It is alleged Vidot-Coleman, who is being represented by solicitor Brett Galloway, was behind the wheel of a Nissan Silvia when it smashed head-on into a Toyota Camry on Victoria Rd late at night and caused the death of his girlfriend Scarlett Lenehan. She was only 20.

Vidot-Coleman is also charged with two counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm over the crash.

“Not guilty,” Vidot-Coleman told the court as his three charges were read out.

Alec Vidot-Coleman (centre) with his solicitor Brett Galloway (left) and a supporter at Downing Centre court complex on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Ms Lenehan, who was a 2016 honour roll student at the exclusive Catholic girls school Loreto Kirribilli, was treated by paramedics for critical injuries at the scene before being rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital where she later died.

Vidot-Coleman was also taken to the same hospital with serious injuries but survived.

A 20-year-old male driver of the Toyota and his 23-year-old female passenger were taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

Police launched an investigation into the collision and later arrested Vidot-Coleman at his Carlingford home on the morning of New Year’s Eve, 2019.

He was taken to Ryde police station and charged with a string of offences including driving in a manner dangerous to the public, but now only the three charges he entered not guilty pleas to on Friday remain.

The athlete is facing a potentially lengthy prison stint if he is found guilty of dangerous driving occasioning death during the trial.

Scarlett Lenehan, 20, died in a car crash allegedly caused by her boyfriend Alec Vidot-Coleman in Sydney in December, 2019.

Vidot-Coleman, whose social media stated he has worked as an AFL development officer and an RSL club bar attendant, still has a tribute of Scarlett’s name next to a yellow love heart on his Instagram page almost 18 months after her death.

In July 2020 he wrote of her: “I miss you everyday and I hope you’re having a drink for me up there today just like we did a year ago. Love you always, your boo”.

Judge Warwick Hunt listed his trial to begin on January 31, 2022, and it is expected to last about two weeks.

“Mr Vidot-Coleman’s trial is listed for a two to three week estimate on the 31st of January, 2022, it’ll be listed at 2pm on Friday, December 10, for a readiness hearing and he’s excused if legally represented,” the judge said.

“Mr Galloway, it’ll be on the list here on the Thursday immediately before the 31st for call over.”