Mother calls for driving law change after fatal hit-run
Mother of 16-year-old Diego killed in hit-run demands automatic licence suspension for drivers charged with fatal crashes.
Diego was crossing a Melbourne road after leaving a friend's barbecue when 23-year-old Harry Waldron allegedly struck him while speeding and on his phone, then fled. Waldron has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
Under current Victorian law, drivers charged with fatal crash offences don't automatically lose their licence. Waldron kept his while awaiting trial.
Diego's mother, Terri Svoronos, told A Current Affair she was stunned by this gap. She is now campaigning for automatic licence suspension for anyone charged with a driving offence that kills someone.
The proposal has been referred to the Victorian Law Reform Commission. Premier Ben Carroll said the government will "look at this" and "close this loophole".
- 16 years old
- Victim's age
- 23 years old
- Charged driver age
- Melbourne
- Location
- Dangerous driving causing death
- Charge
Why it mattersA Victorian loophole allows drivers charged with fatal crashes to keep their licence while on trial, potentially endangering other road users.
AustraliaIf Victoria closes this gap, drivers charged with fatal crashes would lose their licence immediately, tightening road safety rules in Australia's most populous state.
Corroborated by9now.com.au·neoskosmos.com
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
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