Sacked officer who caused fatal crash loses job appeal
A ROMA police officer who was fired for his role in the death of a motorbike rider has failed to have his dismissal overturned by a tribunal.
Roma
Don't miss out on the headlines from Roma. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN ex-police officer has lost an appeal against his dismissal after he was found to have caused a fatal crash.
Constable Fabio Mazza was fired in October last year, after a 2014 crash.
The Roma police officer performed a U-turn when Steven Smith and his wife Gail were riding a motorbike behind him.
When the constable slowed, veered left, then pulled right, the Smiths crashed.
Mrs Smith died. She was 59. Her husband was seriously injured.
In 2016, Mazza was given a suspended two-year jail sentence at Roma District Court.
Jurors found him guilty of dangerous driving causing Mrs Smith's death and grievous bodily harm to Mr Smith.
After he was fired, Mazza appealed, asking for the dismissal to be suspended.
His barrister Jeffrey Hunter told Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal that police, when deciding to sack him, put unreasonable weight on the conviction and sentence.
In a new judgment, QCAT member Michael Howe said the district court previously found no suggestion Mazza was a careless or reckless person or police officer.
Gail Smith's family had no bitterness towards Mazza, and understood her death "was the product of a moment which produced terrible consequences," Mr Howe added.
The tribunal found there was also good evidence of Mazza's regret and remorse.
But in a newly-published judgment, the tribunal dismissed Mazza's review.
"It is an unpleasant duty in this matter given I find the good character of Mr Mazza has been established other than for the misconduct in issue," Mr Howe added.
But he said a suspension would not help maintaining "appropriate standards" of police discipline or public confidence in the police.
Originally published as Sacked officer who caused fatal crash loses job appeal
Missing man case takes dark turn as CIB, homicide unit brought in
Detectives from the Darling Downs Criminal Investigation Branch and Homicide Investigation Unit have established Operation Whiskey Pocket as police admit they have scaled back the search for missing Sunshine Coast man Jack McLennan in the South Burnett.
‘Look who has turned up’: Dick finally meets debate rival
Cardboard cut-out Jarrod Bleijie has made a surprise visit to meet Cameron Dick ahead of their big debate on Thursday. SEE THE VIDEO
Rocky woman instantly loses licence after clocked at eye-watering speed
A woman who was busted travelling at break neck speeds on a rural highway has been dealt an enormous fine and instant licence suspension.
Why most Queenslanders don’t want ‘cheap’ Games
Many Queenslanders have resoundingly rejected Premier Steven Miles’ no frills option for an Olympic Games stadium, instead backing the more ambitious proposals which could also lure major artists like Taylor Swift to Queensland. SPECIAL REPORT
Woman hospitalised after violent dispute in state’s southwest
A violent dispute in the southwest region on Friday evening saw a woman taken to hospital with a head injury. Here’s what we know.
Where 60 per cent of voters prefer Steven Miles and Labor
An exclusive Courier-Mail poll reveals Queensland is divided, with Premier Steven Miles holding an overwhelming majority in one part of the state while David Crisafulli dominates in the regions.