A driver facing multiple charges after a fatal truck crash near Dubbo that claimed the life of a well-known equine industry identity has appeared in Dubbo Local Court.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Trent Smith, 32, of Young did not speak on Wednesday during the brief first mention of the matter, which his solicitor called a “tragic case”.
Mr Smith’s father, 64-year-old Ken Smith, was killed in the crash on Mogriguy Road north of Dubbo on the morning of May 26.
Sydney-based solicitor Bryan Wrench told the court the accused was not in court alone.
“A number of people from all over NSW have come of their own accord to support Mr Smith today,” Mr Wrench said.
A number of people from all over NSW have come... to support Mr Smith today.
- Solicitor Bryan Wrench
Court documents show Mr Smith is charged with driving a prime mover towing a stock trailer when it was involved in an impact occasioning the death of Kenneth Smith, and at the time was driving the “vehicle in a manner dangerous” to other people.
He is also charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm to a 16-year-old boy.
Mr Smith is also accused of causing bodily harm by misconduct, to wit driving at a speed too fast to negotiate a right bend in the road.
He has also been charged with negligent driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
No pleas were entered.
Mr Wrench told the court during the appearance it was a “tragic case” where “the victim is his father”.
He asked for brief service orders, saying the defence was seeking a record of interview and the crash investigation report “as soon as possible”.
Magistrate Paul Hayes ordered a brief of evidence be served on the defence and adjourned the matter to August 8.
Mr Smith’s conditional bail was continued.
Outside the court Mr Wrench addressed the group of people standing with Mr Smith.
Afterwards when asked by Fairfax Media if there was anything he wished to say on behalf of his client, Mr Wrench reiterated it was a “tragic case”.
“He [Mr Smith] wants some time alone,” Mr Wrench said.
Mr Smith was charged two days after the crash and his licence was suspended.