The death of a motorcyclist at a notorious Bass Highway intersection was "unfortunate", but not necessarily criminal, a defence lawyer has said. Fiona Lee Heazlewood, 53, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing the death of a 27-year-old man by negligent driving in a crash at Wynyard last year. Sashant Sigdel died after Ms Heazlewood's Nissan collided with his motorcycle on March 30 at the intersection of the Bass Highway and Wilkinson Street, Wynyard. IN OTHER NEWS: Police confirm death of 68-year-old truck driver The matter is the subject of a hearing before Magistrate Katie Edwards in Burnie this week. Defence lawyer Stephen Wright told Ms Edwards she needed to be convinced by the prosecutor beyond a reasonable doubt that Ms Heazlewood had, in fact, failed in her responsibility as a careful driver. The prosecutor told the court the crash occurred when Ms Heazlewood entered the Bass Highway from Wilkinson Street, colliding with the motorbike in the highway's northbound lane. IN OTHER NEWS: Pregnant woman sleeping in car fears for her unborn child Mr Wright said that intersection was a "black spot" that had been closed in the year since the crash. Wilkinson Street now ends in a cul-de-sac, preventing access to the Bass Highway from that road. "This can be regarded as an unfortunate accident," Mr Wright said. The prosecutor told the court evidence would be heard from witnesses who were travelling behind both vehicles involved in the crash, as well as a number of first responders. She said there was nothing on the evidence to indicate the crash had been caused by anything relating to alcohol, drugs, speed or defects on either of the vehicles. Both Ms Heazlewood and Mr Sigdel were licensed drivers operating fully registered and roadworthy vehicles. The prosecutor said it was their case that Ms Edwards would be convinced that Ms Heazlewood's driving on the day fell below the standard of a reasonable and prudent driver. The court heard a reconstruction of the crash scene and circumstances would be shown to the court, though Mr Wright indicated he would make an argument about the weight Ms Edwards applied to that evidence. It is expected the hearing will run over four split days in the Burnie Magistrates Court this week and next week. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
