Overview
- Convicted driver Mark Plimmer is serving an 18-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, with a 22-year driving ban and two-thirds of the term to be served before release on licence.
- CCTV and forensic analysis showed his car was travelling about 81 mph in a 40 mph zone after a night of drinking across several pubs, and he refused to provide a breath or blood sample.
- The collision killed 62-year-old Charalambos Nicolaou, who was visiting from Cyprus, seriously injured two friends, and was witnessed by his daughter who escaped without serious injuries.
- Plimmer fled the scene, was found hiding in bushes, gave a false name, mocked officers, and was charged on Christmas Day following extensive evidence gathering.
- Police say they made 76 drink- or drug-driving arrests last month and recorded 34 fatal or serious collisions in the past year linked to alcohol or drugs, urging the public to challenge unsafe driving within their circles.