COURT proceedings started in the Millicent Magistrates Court yesterday morning against the male motorist accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of a male motorcyclist at Rocky Camp last month.
A 22-year-old rider was involved in collisions with two vehicles just after 6pm on June 22 near the intersection of Mount Burr and Delaneys roads and died at the scene.
Police arrested and charged 25-year-old South East man Jack McDonald with dangerous driving causing death and aggravated driving without due care and he was bailed to appear at yesterday’s hearing.
The matter was heard by resident stipendiary Magistrate Teresa Anderson.
The defendant was accompanied by several family members and represented by Mount Gambier lawyer John Williamson.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Stephanie Rickards said it may take between 12 and 18 months for post-mortem and toxicology reports to be finalised.
Mr Williamson said he understood the time required but sought a preliminary brief date about six months away.
“We want to get the matter moving along,” Mr Williamson said.
Magistrate Anderson said a preliminary brief date of 12 months away was too long.
After consulting with court staff, Magistrate Anderson said the matter would return to the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on February 10.
She said the bail conditions would continue.
The magistrate requested the police prosecutor ask the investigating officers to prioritise the matter.
Mr Williamson told the court his client was living with his parents and in a stable environment.
He asked the bail agreement be varied to allow his client to travel to Melbourne and spend time with family members.
In reply, Ms Anderson said some matters had to be considered including the name of a guarantor.
She suggested to Mr Williamson he file an application to vary bail at a hearing in Mount Gambier and it would be considered at short notice.
