Guilty plea over fatal airport crash
Learner-driver pleads guilty over a fatal crash on New Year's Day. Picture: Lincoln Baker/The West Australian
A 29-year-old Thornlie man has pleaded guilty over a fatal car crash at Perth Airport on New Year’s Day.
Learner-driver Guelor Lutumba admitted to the charges during his first appearance in Perth Magistrates court today.
Aided by a walking stick, Mr Lutumba pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death, two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and one count each of contravening a learner’s permit and a work order.
The crash on Dunreath Drive, which runs between the International and Domestic airport, resulted in a death of a 40-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car driven by Mr Lutumba. Six other people including a child also suffered serious injury.
The head-on crash between two vehicles saw one car burst into flames on impact while two people in one car had to be cut free.
The police prosecutor today foreshadowed an application from Mr Lutumba to be sentenced in the District Court where tough penalties apply.
But Chief Magistrate Steven Heath said he would decide which court Mr Lutumba would be sentenced in after reading a pre-sentence report and hearing the facts.
Mr Lutumba will next appear in the Perth Magistrate’s Court on March 23.
