A former Tasmania Police officer accused of causing a fatal car crash near Richmond last year has appeared in court.
The Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday heard how then-Constable Cassandra Richardson was driving home from a 10-hour shift at Bellerive Police Station when the tragedy occurred on Brinktop Road.
17 months after the crash that claimed the lives of 51-year-old Theresa Brown and her 16-year-old son Jim, Richardson has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including causing death by negligent driving and driving while disqualified.
Witnesses described Richardson’s allegedly ‘erratic driving’ in the lead up to the crash, which forced other drivers to take ‘evasive action’.
The court heard that a distressed Richardson stopped her car after the crash and allegedly shouted that she had killed two people, also allegedly adding she was stressed, tired and had fallen asleep at the wheel.
The hearing is expected to continue for several days as 20 witnesses are scheduled for cross-examination.
