- Truck driver fronts court over fatal crash — and is then arrested
- Fatal crash at Port Pirie kills much-loved cyclist, injures two others
A TRUCK driver is facing jail after admitting he killed a popular cyclist and seriously injured two of his friends in a crash in the Mid North.
Sean Anthony Daley, 48, had drugs in his system when he collided with father-of-two Stephen Eberhard, 61, on the outskirts of Port Pirie on March 15.
He also seriously injured two other Port Pirie Cycle Club cyclists, John Dennis and club president Hugh Patterson, both then 64, as the trio rode on Germein Rd, Solomontown.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe trio had fallen behind other group members, who cycled the same 40km route every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning.
Mr Eberhard, a well-known local, died at the scene.
In the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Monday, Daley pleaded guilty to one aggravated count of causing death by dangerous driving and two aggravated counts of causing serious harm by dangerous driving.
Granted permission to attend the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court, he spoke only to say “guilty, Your Honour” in a clear voice.
He now faces life imprisonment and a judge will decide next year what non-parole period he will serve.
Prosecutors had alleged Daley, of Two Wells, north of Adelaide, drove his truck in a “culpably negligent manner, or recklessly or at speed, or in a manner which was dangerous”.
Court documents stated the charges are aggravated because he drove his truck “in contravention” of s47BA of the Road Traffic Act, which relates to a person driving with a “prescribed drug in oral fluid or their blood”.
His guilty plea earns him a sentencing discount of up to 30 per cent.
After an earlier hearing, he was arrested and further charged with 32 counts relating to heavy vehicle fatigue management and prosecutor negotiations remain ongoing in the hope of a court deal.
Magistrate Alfio Grasso, who presided via video link from Port Pirie Magistrates Court, remanded him on continuing bail to face the District Court, in Port Augusta, in February next year. His other case was adjourned until December.
Outside court, Daley refused to comment. Mr Eberhard’s family have declined comment.