Distracted driver ‘forgiven’ after killing his elderly parents in horror Mornington Peninsula smash
A loving family’s day trip to the Mornington Peninsula was turned upside down when a simple driving mistake led one man to run a give way sign, killing his elderly parents. And the horrific accident was caught on camera. WATCH
South East
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A moment’s distraction was all it took for a motorist to kill his elderly parents in a horror smash on the Mornington Peninsula, a court has heard.
But Dimin Wan’s family has forgiven him for causing the tragic crash which saw him run a give way sign and drive into the path of a truck at Balnarring on May 13 last year.
Wan, 53, pleaded guilty in the County Court on Wednesday to two counts of dangerous driving causing death after the doomed drive claimed the life of his mother Qian Shen, 85, and father Jiazhu Wan, 86.
Judge Rosemary Carlin heard the fish and chip shop owner from Cranbourne West had taken his beloved parents, who were visiting from China, on a day trip to Arthur’s Seat and Hastings beach to celebrate the past Mother’s Day weekend.
But after Wan’s diabetic father complained of stomach pain, the trio decided to head home.
As Wan’s Mitsubishi wagon travelled along Myers Rd approaching the Coolart Rd intersection just before 1.30pm, Mr Wan began to groan in the back seat, prompting Wan to check his rear mirror out of concern.
Wan was not paying attention for at least 15 seconds, running over rumble strips and bypassing a give way sign at Coolart Rd.
A truck travelling about 80km/h along Coolart Rd collected the family’s car, with the driver’s dashcam capturing the moment Wan’s parents perished.
Wan’s lawyer Remy van de Wiel said his client was “unable to function” without the support of his wife Fiona following the incident and could not sleep, drink or eat properly after experiencing depression and suicidal ideations.
He said Wan had no criminal history and recorded no traffic infringements since receiving his driver’s licence in 2007.
“He’s unable to drive, leave the house and eat or drink … he blames himself for his parent’s death,” Mr Remy said.
“He worked previously six days per week with his brother but has sold the fish and chip shop.
“He was totally dedicated to (his parents) and concerned about their health and welfare …(it’s) not surprising in those circumstances he’d be momentarily distracted.”
Wan’s sister told the court her parents were “not in good health” prior to the accident and that the family forgave Wan for his “mistake”.
“I wish to express our deep concern that we have all forgiven the mistake which took my parent’s lives last year,” she said.
“(Wan) is the most loving son of my parents … they enjoyed their last days in (Wan’s) beautiful brand new house.
“ (Mr Wan and Ms Shen) wouldn’t like to see Dimin tortured mentally this late in life
… they would definitely wish that Dimin has a peaceful life.”
The prosecution said general deterrence could not be achieved with no jail sentence, despite Wan being of good character.
“Given that all of those matters sadly are very common characteristics of this type of offending, the need for general deterrence looms particularly large for this type of offending,” she said.
“There are a lot of matters I have to take into account into sentencing you and deciding what is the appropriate sentence,” Ms Carlin told Wan through a translator.
“I do appreciate the impact on you has been significant … and I also appreciate the impact on your extended family and their concerns for you.”
Wan’s bail was extended and he will return for sentence on September 25.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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