The man who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal crash that claimed the life of a Malaysian tourist on a motorcycle tour of Tasmania has made his second appearance in court.
Grant Andrew Crawford, 52, entered a plea of not guilty to multiple charges, including manslaughter and assault, during his appearance at the Burnie Magistrates Court on Friday.
Crawford was allegedly driving a vehicle that had been stolen from Somerset and was on the wrong side of the road when the collision occurred.
The Malaysian man lost his life at the scene, while another motorcyclist in the group suffered significant injuries and was rushed to hospital.
Western District Commander Stuart Wilkinson said in December that police were treating the incident as “very serious”.
“It’s very clear that from the scene and from witnesses at the scene that speed and inattention and certainly not driving to the conditions is the reason this crash occurred,” he said.
“The person involved may have realised the significance of what they had done. It was a very nasty sight. I’ve seen images of the scene. It would be very confronting.”
“They’re obviously travelling in a vehicle that probably they know is stolen. There’s a great incentive to leave the scene. What I would say to them is that time is now over and it’s time to hand yourself into us.”
“We will find out who you are and we’ll be knocking on your door and we’ll be chasing you until we find you.”
