A moment of inattention was allegedly behind a crash that killed a Heathcote woman at Graytown last year, a court has heard.
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David Greer Mummery, 61, appeared at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with dangerous driving causing death, two counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury, careless driving, and failing to keep left.
The Bendigo resident was charged in relation to a fatal crash on the Heathcote-Nagambie Road on the afternoon of July 13.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Jamie Mitchell, from the Major Collision Investigation Unit, told the court Mr Mummery was travelling back to Bendigo from his workplace in Graytown when his vehicle allegedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with an oncoming vehicle.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 55-year-old woman from Heathcote, was killed and her two daughters, who were passengers, were taken to Bendigo Health as a result of the injuries.
Members of the late woman’s family members, including the two daughters who were injured, were in court on Tuesday.
Mr Mummery was airlifted to hospital in Melbourne after the collision.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Mitchell said the crash was allegedly the result of momentary inattention, and other factors such as speed, drugs or alcohol were not involved.
The court heard Mr Mummery had no history of criminal or traffic offences.
In making a bail application for Mr Mummery, defence lawyer John Whelan reiterated the detective’s evidence that there were no drugs or alcohol involved, and there was no suggestion of fatigue playing a part.
Mr Whelan said his client had “very strong ties” to Bendigo and was employed.
He also noted the matter “could be a very, very long way away from trial”.
Prosecution did not oppose bail.
Magistrate Michael King granted Mr Mummery bail, finding his lack of history, the circumstances of the alleged offending, his stable employment, his ties to the area and the lack of opposition from the prosecution constituted compelling reasons.
Dr King granted bail on a number of conditions, including that Mr Mummery did not leave the state of Victoria, surrendered his passport, remained living at his current address, and did not attend points of international departure.
Mr Mummery was supported in court by his wife.
He will again appear at court in April.
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