Fiona Heazlewood pleads not guilty to Sashant Sigdel fatality

The highway intersection where a North-West Tasmanian student on a motorbike was killed last year has since been closed, a court hearing has been told. The driver has pleaded not guilty.

Napelese student Sashant Sigdel who was killed in a motorcycle crash near Wynyard last year. Picture: File

An intersection that was the scene of a fatal crash between a car and a motorcycle being ridden by a Nepalese student last year was later classified as a black spot and closed, a court hearing has heard.

Fiona Lee Heazlewood has been charged with causing the death of Ulverstone motorcyclist Sashant Sigdel on March 30, 2022, due to negligent driving.

She has pleaded not guilty to the charge. A hearing is underway in the Burnie Magistrates Court.

The hearing was told on Wednesday Ms Heazlewood had allegedly failed to give away and keep a proper lookout as she crossed the highway.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Bass Hwy and Oldina and Wilkinson Road, near Wynyard.

Mr Sigdel, an L-plate motorcyclist, was thrown from his Honda motorbike during the collision and died at the scene from his injuries.

“There was no suggestion she was speeding, affected by alcohol or drugs or driving dangerously,” the prosecutor said in her opening address.

A blood sample taken from both Ms Heazlewood and the motorcyclist showed neither were affected by alcohol or illicit drugs at the time of the fatal crash.

Ms Heazlewood’s lawyer Stephen Wright said a collision, and a subsequent death, did not prove negligence on a driver’s part.

“It could simply be an accident. That intersection no longer exists. It was recognised as a black spot and, since this crash, has been closed,” he told the court.

“The main fact is to determine whether Ms Heazlewood failed to keep a proper lookout.

“Unfortunately, accidents happen. That doesn’t automatically mean someone has been negligent.”

The court was told Ms Heazelwood got out of her car and tried to help the motorcyclist before others came to his aid and paramedics provided treatment.

His injuries were too severe, however, and he could not be saved, the court was told

A police officer gave evidence the motorcycle sustained severe damage to its front, its fuel tank had sustained a dent and one side mirror was missing and found nearby.

The odometer was found further up the highway.

The hearing continues.