Victim had ‘love of life’

THE mother of a Hobart woman killed in a hit and run said her daughter’s legacy would be her “generosity of spirit, exuberance and love of life”.

Vanessa Hayward’s life was tragically cut short when a car failed to stop at a New Town intersection, ploughing into her sedan on Thursday.

Two men in the other car fled the Pirie St crash, sparking a major search.

Yesterday, Tasmania Police named Zach Muir-Bennett, a career criminal once described as a “danger to the public”, as a person they would like to speak to in connection with the fatal crash.

Vanessa’s mother Mary Hayward has pleaded for those responsible to come forward and be “accountable” for their actions.

“I don’t believe the people who killed my daughter did it deliberately. It wasn’t a malicious act of cruelty, nonetheless it was total irresponsibility,” she said.

“My daughter has died, she was young, she deserved a life ... she didn’t deserve to be killed.

“I think whoever is harbouring them or whoever knows them should come forward.”

Mrs Hayward is struggling to come to terms with her loss and sways between disbelief and “overwhelming grief”.

She made special mention of the residents who rushed outside their homes to try to save Vanessa’s life after the crash. The 42-year-old died on the way to hospital.

“I laud and support the people who tried to save her life and I want to recognise what they did for my daughter and the effort they put in,” she said.

Mrs Hayward, who is flying from New South Wales for Friday’s funeral, remembered her daughter as someone who touched all those around her

“She had such a positive impact on so many people and will be remembered for that. That is her legacy,” she said.

“Her kindness, her spirit of generosity, exuberance, her love of life.”

Police posted on Facebook that Muir-Bennett was listed as “Wanted in relation to the crash” but his role, if any, in the incident was not detailed.

“Police investigating the fatal crash in New Town last week would like to speak with him. If you have seen Zach recently or you know where he is now, contact Hobart CIB on 131 444,” police said in the post.

He has done several stints in jail and was at the centre of a Risdon Prison hostage drama in 2011.

He and another inmate threatened to kill two correctional officers they had tied up in a cell and demanded food and cigarettes.

Justice Shan Tennent described him as a “a danger to the public’’ when the matter went to court.

In 2012 the prison’s tactical response group had to be called in when Muir-Bennett went on a destructive rampage.