Doubt on some Pusey charges
SOME of the charges against a Porsche driver accused of filming and taunting a dying police officer at the scene of a freeway crash might not stick, a magistrate says, despite denying him bail.
Richard Pusey will remain behind bars over the April crash, which involved a truck hitting four officers as they were testing Mr Pusey for drugs and impounding his car in the emergency lane of Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway.
The 41-year-old mortgage broker avoided being struck, but is accused of recording the scene on his mobile phone instead of helping a dying Senior Constable Lynette Taylor as she groaned for help.
Magistrate Jo Metcalf told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court the accused posed an unacceptable risk of committing offences and endangering public safety if released.
Mr Pusey faces 12 charges including driving at a dangerous speed, reckless conduct endangering life, destruction of evidence, perverting the course of justice, and failing to remain at the scene after a drug test or render assistance.
But Ms Metcalf raised the possibility some of the more serious charges might not stick. “This is a significant delay in the circumstances, particularly when there is a prospect Mr Pusey could be acquitted of more serious charges,” she said.
It came after Mr Pusey’s lawyer took issue with Victoria Police’s interpretation of some of the evidence, particularly around charges of failing to remain at the scene or help.
Senior Constable Kevin King and Constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney were also killed when the truck ploughed into the group on April 22. Mr Pusey’s barrister, Vincent Peters, had argued his client was in shock after witnessing a horrific crash, adding there was little the man could have done given doctors arrived at the scene.
Prosecutors said Mr Pusey had been a trained nurse but instead chose to film, making derogatory remarks, before leaving and sharing pictures and footage. He has a committal mention on July 16.
Mr Pusey reportedly has a property portfolio worth $12 million and owns 20 houses and units, including properties in Geelong.