Defence case in the shade

Air traffic controller denies negligence in death of pedestrian

AN air traffic controller is fighting allegations he killed an 81- year-old woman in Hobart’s CBD by negligently hitting her with his 4 W D.

Paul Anthony Sciberras, 50, has previously pleaded not guilty to one count of negligent driving causing death and one of driving without due care and attention on April 30 last year.

The Oyster Cove resident’s hearing started on Thursday in the Hobart Magistrates Court before Chris Webster.

The court heard about 2.50pm on the day, Kingston Beach woman Irene Ganley was struck by a car as she crossed Victoria Street at the intersection of Harrington Street.

The court heard Mr Sciberras struck the woman with his grey Nissan Pathfinder as he turned into Victoria Street, knocking her to the ground, with one of her feet caught in the car’s mud guard.

She received head and leg injuries as well as broken ribs.

The court heard his triple-0 call and CCTV vision of him rendering her assistance after the collision.

The octogenarian was treated at the scene and taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where died on May2.

The prosecution alleged Mr Sciberras failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to observe a pedestrian crossing, failed to manoeuvre his vehicle to avoid collision and collided with a pedestrian and caused her death.

It was also argued there were no obstructions that would have blocked his view of a pedestrian or any other contributing factors.

Constable Megan Hopper was asked by defence lawyer Craig Rainbird if there was a shadow on the road as she drove along Harrington Street and if she was driving into the sun. She answered ,“yes ”.

Mr Rain bird asked Sergeant Gavin White if any police officers had marked the area where Mr Sciberras’s car was when it come into contact with Mrs Ganley, to which he answered, “no”.

He asked Senior Constable Richard Keegan if he was aware of the affect on the eye going from glare to a shadowed area.

“The eye can’t see as well going from light to dark,” he said.

The hearing continues on Friday.