Driver in fatal crash had ‘tendency’ to speed

The moments before a crash killed a 20-year-old woman have been laid bare as her boyfriend faced court over her death.

The driver in a crash that left his 20-year-old girlfriend dead faced court on Monday in a bid to avoid jail time.

Earlier this month, 24-year-old Alec Vidot-Coleman pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of his 20-year-old girlfriend, Scarlett Lenehan.

At a sentencing hearing on Monday, Judge Sarah Huggett said Vidot-Coleman may have had a “tendency to exceed the speed limit”.

His lawyer, Brett Galloway argued the speed at which he was travelling when the crash occurred had not been proven.

Alec Vidot-Coleman pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of his 20-year-old girlfriend, Scarlett Lenehan. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

The pair had just pulled out of a petrol station during a trip to McDonald’s in December 2019 when his Nissan Silvia ploughed into a Toyota Camry.

Mr Galloway said his understanding was Vidot-Coleman was doing 75km/h when his vehicle hit a patch of water, causing him to lose control.

Judge Huggett noted Crown prosecutors had previously asserted the speed was closer to 100km/h in what was believed to be a 60 zone.

She also pointed out prosecutors were relying on a previous incident involving Vidot-Colemman that showed a pattern of dangerous driving.

“That behaviour shows a tendency to exceed the speed limit by significant amounts,” Judge Huggett said.

In December 2019, the pair had just pulled out of a petrol station during a trip to McDonald’s when his Nissan Silvia ploughed into a Toyota Camry.

Ms Lenehan sustained extensive injuries in the crash and later died in Royal North Shore Hospital.

The two people in the Camry were also injured as a result of the crash.

The court previously heard other factors including water on the road may have contributed to the crash. Picture: 7 News

The court heard during previous evidence there may have been factors other than speed which contributed to the crash, including water, rubbish and slurry on the road.

“Something happened when he hit the water. That doesn’t mean he was doing 40kms over the limit” Mr Galloway said.

Judge Sarah Huggett replied that even if he was not driving as fast as prosecutors allege there may still be a level of culpability.

“He shouldn’t be driving at 80km/h if he doesn’t have sufficient experience to deal with whatever hazards are ahead of him,” Judge Huggett said.

Prosecutors applied for Vidot-Coleman’s immediate detention which was denied meaning he remains on bail.

The case is scheduled for sentencing on October 14.