Death crash drink charge

A MAN accused of causing the death of another by negligent driving in Huonville last month has appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court.

Luca Papotto, 29, of Ranelagh, is facing charges of causing the death of another person by negligent driving, driving a motor vehicle while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit, driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor and a drug, causing grievous bodily harm by negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving while not the holder of a driver’s licence.

Police allege Mr Papotto caused the death of Italian national Alessandro Borchi, 21, by driving negligently on Main St, Huonville, on January 13. Mr Borchi died on January 19.

The grievous bodily harm charge also relates to Mr Borchi.

Police also allege Mr Papotto drove at excessive speed, failed to keep control of his vehicle and had a blood alcohol reading of 0.169. Mr Papotto appeared before Magistrate Chris Webster yesterday via video link from Risdon Prison.

Mr Webster adjourned the matter without plea to February 22 and remanded Mr Papotto in custody.

The southern Tasmanian community through the Australian Italian Club in Hobart raised more than $23,000 for Mr Borchi’s family in Italy to help with expenses including the repatriation of his body.

Club president and Hobart City Council Alderman Marti Zucco said Mr Borchi’s mother, who travelled to Hobart after her son’s death, was touched by the support shown by the Hobart and Huon Valley communities.

“They are so amazed at what’s happened they now consider the Tasmanian community as their family,” Mr Zucco said.

Ald Zucco said Mr Borchi’s funeral had been held in Italy.