The driver of the semi-trailer truck that crashed into four police officers on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway on April 22 appeared in court on April 27 to face four charges of culpable driving.
The truck’s driver, Mohinder Singh Bajwa, appeared a “saddened and anxious” figure as he attended the first hearing facing four charges for grievous bodily harm by driving. Singh’s refrigerator truck swayed across multiple lanes before colliding and killing four police officers in the emergency lane.
During the morning hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court earlier in the day, Singh did not speak and kept his head down as the court ran proceedings.
His Lawyer Steven Pica noted that his client may require counseling, psychiatric treatment, or other forms of assistance.
“Mr. Singh remains distressed and saddened at the tragic consequences of his acts,” he said.
Leading Senior Constable Lynnette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, and constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney were in the process of impounding a Porsche when Singh’s truck swayed across multiple lanes and crashed into them.
Criminal lawyer Pica said that Singh had anxiety and depression and that his client may have an undiagnosed history of psychiatric issues.
Prosecutors requested additional time to put together their brief of evidence. Analysis of the truck will be conducted overseas, and video footage from CCTV and body-cam is yet to be collated. In addition, a forensic report is required.
Truck Company Investigated
Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said that Victoria Police have conducted raids on two locations associated with the trucking company.Police have asked for witnesses to hand over any dashcam footage they have of the truck involved in the April 22 multi-vehicle crash.
