Xiao Bo Zhang pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death after crash that killed Rachel Watts

A Geelong surgeon has pleaded guilty on the eve of a trial to causing the death of Portarlington woman in a Swan Bay crash.

Xiao Bo Zhang.

A Geelong surgeon has pleaded guilty to causing a crash that killed a Portarlington woman who was well-known and highly respected in the equestrian community.

Xiao Bo Zhang, 67, appeared in the County Court at Geelong on Monday and pleaded guilty to a single count of dangerous driving causing death, stemming from a crash on March 20, 2022.

Prof Zhang was travelling on Swan Bay Rd when he caused the three-car collision.

The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Rachel Watts, and saw three others hospitalised.

In a tribute by Equestrian Australia, Ms Watts was described as a stalwart of the equestrian community who would be remembered as a “super-groom”.

Rachel Watts. Picture: Supplied

The tribute described Ms Watts’ “undeniable passion for horses and her adventurous spirit” that took her across the world, including the Olympics in Rio and Tokyo as part of the Australian Eventing Team.

“Rachel was a fiercely loyal friend and an exceptional team player, always happy to help out and lend a hand when needed,” the tribute said.

Members of Ms Watts’ family were present in court on Monday.

The matter had been listed for trial but was resolved before 3pm amid pre-trial discussion and Prof Zhang was subsequently arraigned.

The cardiothoracic surgeon, who was supported in court by his family, spoke softly when the charge was put to him.

“Guilty,” he said.

Following the plea, Judge Gregory Lyon shared some words with Ms Watts’ family about the court process, warning them they may not find closure in the outcome.

“(The justice system) is not a system of revenge, it is a system of principles of law … applied on behalf of the community,” Judge Lyon said.

Prof Zhang was represented at Monday’s hearing by silk Ian Hill KC, who previously represented him during a two-day committal hearing in September 2023, after which Prof Zhang was committed to stand trial.

Following his arraignment, the matter was adjourned for a plea hearing on January 29.

Prof Zhang’s bail was extended. 

Originally published as Xiao Bo Zhang pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death after crash that killed Rachel Watts