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Mohinder Singh says he’s sorry for causing the “worst accident ever”

The drug-crazed truckie who killed four police on the Eastern Freeway said he’s sorry for causing the “worst accident ever”.

Eastern Freeway police crash truckie Mohinder Singh fronts court

The drug-crazed trucker who killed four police officers in the Eastern Freeway tragedy has conceded he deserves to go to jail for what he described as the “worst possible accident”.

Mohinder Singh, appearing in the Supreme Court on Friday for the second day of his pre-sentence hearing, apologised to the families of Leading Sen-Constable Lynette Taylor, Sen-Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney.

His barrister Peter Morrissey SC, on his behalf, began the hearing telling the loved ones who had packed the courtroom, Singh was “sorry”.

Constable Josh Prestney.
Constable Josh Prestney.
Constable Glen Humphris.
Constable Glen Humphris.

The court heard body-worn cameras on police responders at the scene revealed Singh was immediately remorseful for his actions.

“I feel so sorry for the police officers,” he told an arresting officer.

“I like you guys. Youse (sic) help us, you know.

“It’s just the worst possible accident. I’m so sorry to all their families. I just wake up like that. That’s what happened. I wasn’t fit for work.”

When he was interviewed by investigators days later, Mr Morrissey said Singh again detailed his remorse.

“It was a big accident, a really big accident,” Singh was recorded saying.

Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor.
Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor.
Senior Constable Kevin King.
Senior Constable Kevin King.

“Their families are probably waiting for them to come home, you know.

“Imagine it was your family or your kids … oh god.”

Mr Morrissey also expressed his client’s gratitude to the police for a “fair and balanced” investigation.

“It’s not always easy for police to do that in circumstances when their brothers and sisters were killed,” Mr Morrissey said.

“We are grateful for it.”

Singh, 47, from Cranbourne, pleaded guilty to four counts of culpable driving, three charges of trafficking in a drug of dependence and one count of possessing a drug of dependence.

Singh’s truck at the scene. Picture: Scott Barbour
Singh’s truck at the scene. Picture: Scott Barbour

Mr Morrissey conceded a “very substantial jail sentence” was inevitable, with culpable driving carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

“The hope is to persuade your honour, or suggest to the court, that there is a basis to mix justice and clemency,” Mr Morrissey said.

“He is quite an engaging character worthy of some interest and some sympathy.

“Despite the difficulties he has faced in his life, he has lived quite a productive life.”

Mr Morrissey pointed to mitigating factors including Singh’s remorse, his early guilty plea and his willingness to assist police in their investigations.

The hearing, before Justice Paul Coghlan, continues.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/mohinder-singh-says-hes-sorry-for-causing-the-worst-accident-ever/news-story/fd1d986b3e9ca7a5ae8c1c5a8830688a