A MOUNT Gambier man involved in a fatal hit and run collision near the Coorong has pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Daniel Luke Barry, 39, appeared in the Mount Gambier District Court on Monday for arraignment.
The prosecution alleged on January 17, Barry was the driver of a truck, which struck a 60-year-old Victorian man who was cycling on the Princes Highway, 50km north of Kingston.
Paramedics rushed to the area, however were unable to save the man who died at the scene.
Barry failed to stop after the accident, leading police to search for damage on vehicles in the surrounding area.
However, Barry later notified police he was the man involved in the crash and officers arrested him in Naracoorte.
Defence counsel raised a legal issue with Judge Geraldine Davison, suggesting a special directions hearing would be worthwhile before the matter was listed for trial.
The court heard Barry had pleaded guilty to aggravated driving without due care in Magistrates’ Court over the matter.
“It is the defence’s position this is a classic case of driving without due care,” defence counsel said.
The prosecutor was not opposed to a special directions hearing toward the end of the Mount Gambier District Court July circuit.
Judge Davidson said the matter would be the first trial listed during the upcoming October circuit.
