Smash driver ‘very sorry’
AN Armstrong Creek man has admitted causing a head-on crash that seriously injured a woman in Lovely Banks.
Matthew Zulumovski, 21, appeared at Geelong Magistrates Court on Monday, where he entered a guilty plea to dangerous driving causing serious injury.
The charge stems from a two-car collision on Tower Hill Drive on the evening of July 11, 2019. An 85-year-old woman was driving with her granddaughter when Zulumovski, travelling in the opposite direction, veered onto the wrong side of the road and slammed into her vehicle.
The victim suffered an acquired brain injury and was now dependent on 24-hour care, the court heard.
Defence barrister Kyle McDonald said Zulumovski was “very sorry” for the woman’s injuries and the “terrible consequences” she had suffered.
“One can only have the deepest sympathy for this poor lady,” he said.
Mr McDonald said the collision occurred as his client navigated a blind corner on a section of Tower Hill Drive that runs parallel with the Geelong Ring Road.
He told the court Zulumovski became disorientated by vehicles exiting a service station on the nearby freeway.
“He perceived their lights to be moving across from his right to his left, so he’s moved to his right (to avoid a collision),” Mr McDonald said.
“He’s misperceived an oncoming threat.”
The court heard it was the first time Zulumovski had provided an explanation for the incident.
A magistrate refused an application for Zulumovski’s case to remain in the magistrates court, where lower maximum sentences can be imposed compared with the County Court. Mr McDonald had argued the case should stay in the lower jurisdiction, noting there was an absence of aggravating features to Zulumovski’s offending, including any evidence of erratic driving.
But magistrate Peter Mellas said it was inappropriate for the case to remain in the magistrates court. He said the most significant factor was the impact on the victim, which he described as “life-altering”.
“This is a very serious accident and serious result and consequence of the behaviour involved,” Mr Mellas said.
Zulumovski is due to appear in the County Court for a presentence hearing on November 25. His bail was extended until the next court date.