Paul Anthony Sciberras fronts hearing charged with negligent driving causing death and driving without due care and attention

A Kingborough man negligently killed an 81-year-old pedestrian in central Hobart when he ran into her with his 4WD, a court has heard.

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AN air traffic controller is fighting allegations he killed an 81-year-old woman in Hobart’s CBD by negligently running her down with his 4WD.

Paul Anthony Sciberras, 50, has previously pleaded not guilty to one count of negligent driving causing death and one count of driving without due care and attention on April 30 last year.

The Oyster Cove resident’s hearing began on Thursday in the Hobart Magistrates Court before Magistrate Chris Webster.

The court heard at about 2.50pm on the day in question, Kingston Beach woman Irene Ganley was struck by a car as she crossed Victoria Street at the intersection of Harrington St.

The court heard Mr Sciberras struck the woman with his grey Nissan Pathfinder as he turned into Victoria Street, knocking her to the ground, with one of her feet caught in the car’s mudguard.

She received head and leg injuries as well as broken ribs.

The court heard Mr Scibberas’ Triple-0 call and CCTV vision of him rendering her assistance immediately after the collision.

Magistrate Chris Webster. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The octogenarian was treated at the scene and taken by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital where died on May 2.

The prosecution alleged Mr Sciberras failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to observe a pedestrian crossing, failed to manoeuvre his vehicle to avoid collision, and collided with a pedestrian and caused her death.

It was also argued there were no obstructions which would have blocked his view of a pedestrian or any other contributing factors to the incident.

Constable Megan Hopper was cross examined by defence lawyer Craig Rainbird who asked if there was a shadow on the road as she drove along Harrington St and if she was driving into the sun to which she answered “yes.”

Mr Rainbird asked Sergeant Gavin White if any police officers had marked the area where Mr Scibberas’ car was when it come into contact with Mrs Ganley before the car was moved to which he answered “no.”

Mr Rainbird asked Senior Constable Richard Keegan if he was aware of the affect on the eye when going from a glary area to a shadowed area.

“The eye can’t see as well going from light to dark,” he said.

The hearing continues today[FRI].