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Samandeep Singh jailed for causing horror Wantirna smash which killed policewoman

A rookie truck driver who knowingly drove a truck with dodgy brakes through Melbourne’s east before smashing into and killing an off-duty police officer has been jailed.

Emergency services workers attempt to free off-duty policewoman D’Arne Marie De Leo from beneath a truck driven by Samandeep Singh.
Emergency services workers attempt to free off-duty policewoman D’Arne Marie De Leo from beneath a truck driven by Samandeep Singh.

A rookie truck driver who knowingly drove a 20-tonne deathtrap with dodgy brakes through Melbourne’s east before instantly killing an off-duty policewoman in a horror smash has been jailed.

Samandeep Singh, 30, was sentenced in the County Court today to a minimum 28-months’ jail after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death.

Singh ploughed into First Constable D’Arne ‘Dee’ De Leo while she was riding her motorcycle to work on January 12, 2017.

First Constable De Leo was in Wantirna, at the intersection of Boronia Rd and EastLink, when she was dragged under Singh’s truck and killed just before 9am.

Singh, who initially denied responsibility, pleaded guilty after investigators proved he knew his truck had faulty brakes prior to the crash.

Multiple witnesses said Singh was having trouble with the truck’s brakes at several intersections in the lead-up to the fatal crash.

A witness said Singh “knew he wasn’t going to be able to stop” and he was “blowing the horn to get people out of the way”.

First Constable D’Arne ‘Dee’ De Leo.
First Constable D’Arne ‘Dee’ De Leo.

Judge Michael Tinney said Singh was a “danger to the public” who “should have stopped”.

“I’m sure you did everything you could (to stop) … you had passed the point of no return,” he said.

“If only you had stopped your truck … but you didn’t and she is dead.”

Judge Tinney said First Constable De Leo’s death had “dealt a massive blow” to loved ones and she was “deeply missed by many”.

He said the court would’ve been “heaving with people” had it not been for COVID-19 restrictions.

More than 40 family, friends and colleagues attended the hearing either or in person or via remote access.

Judge Tinney said Ms De Leo’s father copped a “double-blow” after his wife died of cancer last year.

Singh is comforted after the smash.
Singh is comforted after the smash.

“If anyone wanted to revenge her death it will be her father … (but) he does not want revenge,” Judge Tinney said.

Judge Tinney accepted Singh – who had First Constable De Leo’s police number tattooed on his body – was truly remorseful but said deterrence was the primary sentencing factor.

“You’re paying a high cost … but nowhere near the cost paid by Ms De Leo’s family,” Judge Tinney said.

“You are a decent man but one who has made a dreadful decision.

Singh leaves court after a 2017 bail hearing.
Singh leaves court after a 2017 bail hearing.

“No sentence will give them (loved ones) any great solace or comfort … no value can be placed on a life, a life is priceless and hers was priceless.”

Judge Tinney also thrust the spotlight onto the truck’s owner Dionysios Vangelas.

Vangelas’ 11 truck fleet was examined and 10 were issued with defect notices, the court heard.

“I wish he had maintained the truck then none of us will be here,” Judge Tinney said.

Singh – who had spent 151 days in custody – was jailed for a maximum four years.

The court heard Singh wants to be deported back to India once released.

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paul.shapiro@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/samandeep-singh-pleads-guilty-to-causing-horror-wantirna-smash-which-killed-policewoman/news-story/b17122a695546f8fb098888f6979530f