Family disowns freeway accused

A WOMAN who says she’s the mother of a Porsche driver allegedly involved in a crash that killed four police officers in Melbourne says his family is “ashamed”.

The woman who did not wish to be named, read a statement to Melbourne radio 3AW yesterday, making it clear Richard Pusey, 41, had been estranged from the family for some time.

She said the family had been thrust into the spotlight following the catastrophic crash on the Eastern Freeway on Wednesday and shared the same devastation as the wider community.

“I want to read a statement on behalf of the Pusey family because we want to disassociate ourselves with the tragedy that occurred on Wednesday night,” she said.

“We were incredibly shocked and deeply ashamed by the (alleged) events that unfolded surrounding the accident and thereafter.

“Our family have [sic] been under public scrutiny since that time in a quest to find some explanation as to Richard’s (alleged) actions in this catastrophic event.

“This is an insight we are unable to provide.”

The events referred to are now before the courts.

Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney died when a semitrailer crashed into them while they were trying to impound a

Porsche in an emergency lane on the freeway at Kew.

Police allege Pusey had been travelling at 149km/h while under the influence of methylamphetamine and cannabis.

Pusey, of Fitzroy, was charged on Friday with nine offences including driving at a dangerous speed, reckless conduct endangering life, failing to render assistance and drug possession.

WE WERE INCREDIBLY SHOCKED AND DEEPLY ASHAMED BY THE (ALLEGED) EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED PUSEY FAMILY STATEMENT

He remains in custody on remand.

The 47-year-old truck driver Mohinder Singh faced Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday charged with four counts of culpable driving.

The Cranbourne man did not apply for bail and is due to return to court in October.

Meanwhile, police yesterday raided two Melbourne homes associated with a trucking company.

Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said it was part of the investigation into Wednesday’s crash.

The prime mover was registered in Queensland with plates XV85IE and the trailer registration was 84IQWQ, she said.