Andrew Georghiou avoids jail for hitting, killing blind and deaf man Allan Lawson in Sandringham

An 84-year-old motorist on his way home from a 15-hour marathon gambling session hit and killed a much-loved deaf and blind man who was out for his morning walk in Sandringham. But he has escaped jail for his crime — here’s why.

Allan Lawson, pictured with partner Edna Pontelandolfo, was killed after being struck by a car in January 2018. Picture: Supplied

An elderly motorist who struck and killed a much-loved deaf and blind man following a marathon Crown Casino session has been spared jail.

Andrew Georghiou, 84, was sentenced in the County Court today to a three-year community corrections order after pleading guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death.

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Georghiou was driving home from a 15-hour Crown Casino gambling session when he struck Allan Lawson in Sandringham just before 6am on January 4, 2018.

Mr Lawson was crossing Beach Rd on his regular early morning walk to the beach when he was hit.

He was rushed to hospital but died several days later when his life support was switched off.

His death was a tragic shock to his family and Victoria’s blind and deaf community.

Mr Lawson was born deaf but his sight deteriorated over time due to a rare medical condition known as Usher Syndrome.

However, Mr Lawson overcame his condition to become a 2000 Sydney Olympics torchbearer. He also supported his two sisters who shared his condition.

Allan’s corneas were donated after his death. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mr Lawson became a hero after death as his corneas were donated which allowed two other people to see.

Judge Michael McInerney said Mr Lawson was “truly a remarkable man”.

“To cope as well as he did with Usher Syndrome is a true testament to self-will and pride,” he said.

“He was an inspiration to all his family and in particular his sisters.”

Judge McInerney said Mr Lawson’s death was “truly a tragedy” but no sentence would bring him back.

“This court cannot change the loss of their brother or partner,” he said.

It was accepted by the court that Georghiou was fatigued — he had arrived at the casino just after 2pm the day before — when he struck Mr Lawson.

Judge McInerney said Georghiou wasn’t speeding but would’ve had a “230m clear view of the crossing”.

“(You told police) you believed the lights were green,” Judge McInerney said.

“I firmly believe you should not have been on the road at all.”

In sentencing, Judge McInerney took into account Georghiou’s “mid-range culpability”, that he stopped immediately and gave assistance, his early plea and his genuine remorse.

“Mr Georghiou said ‘there is not a day goes by where I don’t think about it’,” Judge McInerney said.

“This will be the one and only time the court will deal with him.”

Georghiou’s lack of priors and his ill health — he suffered heart failure in February — were also taken into account.

The hearing was momentarily halted after Georghiou complained of chest pains but he was able to continue.

In addition to the community corrections order, Georghiou was fined $10,000 and had his licence cancelled for 18 months.

One of Mr Lawson’s sisters broke down after the sentence and had to be consoled by Auslan interpreters who had assisted during the hearing.