Bradley Spark: ‘Cowardly’ concreter sentenced for fatal Ballarat hit-and-run

The man responsible for a hit-and-run that killed Ballarat husband and father David Thomson has been sentenced in court.

A Ballarat concreter has been sentenced for a “despicable and cowardly” hit-and-run that killed a cyclist who was on his way to work.

Alfredton driver Bradley John Spark, now 40, fatally struck cyclist David Thomson, in Delacombe on October 21, 2021, after cutting a corner and hitting Mr Thomson’s bike at more than 50km/h.

Spark turned onto Brazenor St from Latrobe St at 5.41am, sliding his vehicle sideways along the wrong side of the road and hitting Mr Thomson so that the husband and father was thrown 21m away from the point of collision.

The 60-year-old died at the scene, which was attended by his daughter, Detective Senior Constable Sophie Thomson.

Bradley John Spark.

Spark drove away without helping his victim, and police later found the offending vehicle hidden on a Ross Creek property with several of its parts removed, including the number plates, windscreen, bonnet, and spoiler.

Spark said he first heard about the collision on the radio and while in custody mostly denied his involvement in the incident.

The family spoke about their trauma in victim impact statements read out in court.

“This tragic incident has affected every aspect of my life,” Sophie Thomson said.

“My dad was my world. We were incredibly close.

“I attended the scene of my own father’s death. How are you able to put into words how that affects someone . I was standing on Latrobe St when my world shattered into pieces.”

Ms Thomson now suffers from panic attacks, lack of concentration, poor sleep, and depression.

David Thomson with his daughter Sophie Thomson.

Spark’s life was said to have taken a turn for the worse when he started taking party drugs while clubbing with friends in his late 20s.

Judge Peter Lauritsen called his actions a “despicable and cowardly act”.

Spark pleaded guilty in County Court to failing to stop after a fatal accident, failing to render assistance after a fatal accident, and driving in a manner dangerous causing death.

He was sentenced to seven and a half years’ imprisonment, with a minimum term of five years and 373 days already served.