Gold Coast man Peter Dowker to stand trial for alleged drunk behind wheel in Tallai crash that killed wife
A GOLD Coast man who was allegedly drunk behind the wheel when his car crashed, killing his wife, has been committed to stand trial.
Crime and Court
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A MIAMI man who was allegedly drunk behind the wheel when his car crashed, killing his wife, has been committed to stand trial.
Lana Hufnagl died when the car crashed on The Panorama at Tallai on July 9 last year.
Police allege Peter Edward Dowker, Ms Hufnagl’s husband, was over the blood alcohol limit at the time of the crash.
Dowker, 47, did not enter a plea when he appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court this morning. He is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.
Magistrate Mark Howden committed Dowker to the Southport District Court.
Mr Howden asked Dowker if he had anything to say.
“No, Your Honour,” Dowker replied.
Dowker used a cane and walked slowly as he entered and left court.
Ms Hufnagl’s best friend, Kylie Franklin, was heard mumbling to herself in court.
“Don’t you smile at me,” she told Dowker as they waited to catch a lift outside the courtroom.
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Ms Franklin said Ms Hufnagl’s two daughters, both in their early 30s, were too upset to attend court.
“We just want to get this over and done with so everyone can move on with the next part of their lives,” Ms Franklin said.
“I think that will help with the grieving process.”
Ms Franklin said Ms Hufnagl was a “lovely lady”.
“She lit up the room … she would talk to anyone, she would befriend anyone,” Ms Franklin said.
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“She loved her children, her girls, and her grandchildren, her twin grandsons.
“I just can’t think of a happier woman. She always looked on the brighter side of life.”
Dowker is expected to got to trial next year.
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