This case was originally planned for July '05. Unfortunately some
unpleasant details may come out in the actual court appearance, so can
we all maintain restraint if making comments/remarks? 🙁
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Cricketer's family may face charge over hit-run hide-out
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/cricketers-family-may-face-charge-over-hitrun-hideout/2006/05/16/1147545331590.html
By Jamie Berry. May 17, 2006
The family of a former state cricketer accused of the hit-run death of
a cyclist last year could also face charges over the collision, a
court was told yesterday.
David Plumpton, 29, of Mill Park, a batsman for Fitzroy Doncaster in
Victorian Premier League who played several one-day games for Victoria
a few years ago, is alleged to have hit Matthew Cole, 32, in Plenty
Road, Bundoora, on January 22. Mr Cole, who was riding with a friend,
died at the scene.
Plumpton, 29, of Mill Park, faces 10 charges, including culpable
driving causing death, failing to render assistance, exceeding the
speed limit and driving an unroadworthy vehicle.
Melbourne Magistrates Court was told that Plumpton had been drinking
the night before and some of his friends believed that he was too
intoxicated to be driving.
But Plumpton's lawyer, Lex Lasry, QC, said he would challenge the view
of some witnesses who said Plumpton had drunk "a high amount of
alcohol".
Sergeant Geoff Exton told the court that Plumpton's family would be
investigated and charges could be laid against them for hiding him
from police.
Plumpton was alleged to have driven from the accident scene before
surrendering almost 12 hours later to police. Officers could not
establish his blood alcohol concentration at the time of the incident.
Vincent Darmanin, who was riding with Mr Cole, said he had tried to
get Plumpton's registration after the collision, but the car sped
away.
"The further it went, the quicker it got," he said.
Witnesses told the court yesterday that they saw Plumpton driving his
Holden sedan on Plenty Road at high speeds and with extensive damage
to the windscreen.
Truck driver John Dundovic said Plumpton's car was going "like anything".
Another motorist, Patrick Naughton, estimated Plumpton's car to be
travelling at up to 150 km/h. The windscreen "did not look right", he
said.
Angelo Constanzo said Plumpton's car was "awfully close" to his. Mr
Constanzo formed the view that Plumpton appeared "freaked out" and
"had been partying", the court was told.
Senior Constable Glen Urquhart said investigations revealed Plumpton's
car was travelling at up to 87 km/h at the time of the collision and
Mr Cole's body was thrown 43 metres. It was estimated that the
cyclists were travelling at about 28 km/h.
Senior Constable Urquhart said there was no evidence of emergency
breaking. "I was not able to locate any tyre marks associated with the
vehicle," he said.
The case continues.