Court: Tatura’s Vincent Varapodio killed Paul Hangan in collision at Nanneella

A killer driver who claimed the life of a mother of four has struck again, killing a beloved Rochester grandfather and hero of the 2022 Victorian floods.

Rochester man Paul Hangan, 67, was killed by the dangerous driving of Tatura man Vincent Varapodio On September 22, 2023 at the intersection of Winter and Webbs roads at Nanneella, between Rochester and Kyabram. Picture: Supplied.

A killer driver who claimed the life of a mother of four more than a decade ago ploughed into a much-loved grandfather riding his Harley before calling his boss and telling him: “I think I’ve killed a guy”, a court has heard.

Vincent Varapodio, 55, pleaded guilty on August 8 to one count of dangerous driving in the Bendigo County Court.

Varapodio killed Rochester man Paul Hangan, 67, when he failed to give way on Webb Rd at Nanneella on Friday, September 22, 2023.

The court heard Varapodio, who was supported in court by a large number of family members, made a premature turn and collided with Mr Hangan’s Harley Davidson.

The court heard Varapodio rang his boss and said: “I’ve had an accident, I think I’ve killed a guy”, with his boss then rushing to the crash scene.

The court heard Varapodio was taken to hospital for minor injuries and was arrested after his release by Echuca police.

Mr Hangan had been at the Kyabram Club for lunch and was on his way back home.

67-year-old Rochester man Paul Hangan was riding home from Kyabram on his beloved Harley Davidson when he was struck by Vincent Varapodio.

Mr Hangan, a father of three and grandfather of 11, became a pillar of his community after the 2022 floods ripped through Rochester.

A Harley Davidson enthusiast, Mr Hangan was buried in a motorbike-themed casket with his helmet placed on top.

Mr Hangan’s friend, Simone, read an emotional victim impact statement to the court, saying “I can only pray you did not suffer”.

Simone described Mr Hangan as “unique” and a “storyteller” who cared for everyone.

“Until we meet again, my beautiful friend.”

Varapodio’s lawyer, Markorius Habib, told the court his offending was at the lower end of dangerous driving, and that his client “did not see the victim”.

Vincent Varapodio pleaded guilty in the Bendigo County Court.

Mr Habib also noted that Varapodio pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, while saying that his client has had gainful employment throughout his adult life.

Mr Habib also noted Varapodio suffers from mental health issues, and that his offending had aggravated those issues.

Mr Habib submitted that Varapodio’s rehabilitation chances were “low to moderate”.

Varapodio, a father of two, was convicted in 2010 after hitting a cyclist while driving suspended and failing to give way.

He received a one-month suspended sentence and was ordered to donate $10,000 to the Scott Peoples foundation.

The court heard that Jodie Ridges, the woman he hit, later died from her injuries.

Ms Ridges was a young mother of four and was also from Tatura.

Ms Ridges has an adventure bike trail named after her that connects Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura, that provides a safer option for cyclists than the Midland Hwy.

Mr Habib submitted that due to his prior history Varapodio had a higher level of moral culpability.

An off-road trail on the Goulburn River has a 12km link to Tatura which is locally referred to as the Jodie Ridges Trail. Picture: Greater Shepparton City Council

Prosecutor Nicholas Batten said Varapodio was once caught speeding while on bail for killing Mr Hangan, doing 123km/h in a 100km/h zone.

Mr Batten submitted a report to Judge Fiona Todd which referred to Varapodio’s driving history dating back to 1995, of which there were numerous speeding infringements, the court heard.

While the speeding infringements were not criminal matters, Judge Todd said “they do show a repeated disregard for the road rules”.

Judge Todd said she was troubled by how long to suspend Varapodio’s licence, due to living regionally in Tatura, rather than someone “who lives in Carlton and catches the tram to work”.

The court heard Varapodio accepted he would receive a prison sentence that was not combined with a community corrections order, and that Varapodio has been preparing for prison, paying off his loans and preparing his wife for life without him.

Varapodio, who has been on bail since being charged, was remanded in custody to be sentenced August 14 at noon.