NSW: Crash driver collapses at feet of alleged victim's mum

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2007
NSW: Crash driver collapses at feet of alleged victim's mum

SYDNEY, Dec 18 AAP - A learner driver charged with crashing into a Sydney bus queue
and killing a young woman has collapsed at the feet of her alleged victim's mother following
a Sydney court hearing on her mental fitness.

Rose Deng, 42, faced court today where her solicitor said she had lived with "debilitating
trauma" since migrating to Australia from an African nation in 1994.

Solicitor Chris Hoy said Deng had required ongoing medical treatment, along with counselling
provided by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors.

"(She is) a woman hanging by a thread to, in some semblance, an ordinary existence
in raising a family," Mr Hoy told the Downing Centre Local Court.

Deng is charged with negligent driving occasioning death following a crash in Railway
Parade at Kogarah, in Sydney's south, in March.

Fashion student Emma Hansen, 20, from Orange, in the state's central west died in hospital
as a result of injuries she received when Deng's car mounted the curb.

Deng broke down outside the court today, falling at the feet of her victim's mother
and repeatedly stating that she was sorry.

Under NSW criminal law, a defendant's mental condition can be considered by a magistrate
whose options include dismissing a charge.

Prosecutor Matthew Fordham said the Crown would oppose such a move as he said there
was no evidence to show Deng's mental state had led to the crash.

Magistrate Ian Barnett has reserved his decision on Deng's mental fitness until January 30.

Mr Hoy also told the court the accident was a result of Deng's accidental pushing of
the accelerator as she turned a corner during a driving lesson.

"She tried to hit the brake but hit the accelerator by mistake," he said.

AAP dr/sg/hn/ht/bwl

KEYWORD: DENG

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