Kill accused 'drove drunk'
A 43-year-old man allegedly drunk behind the wheel when his utility slammed into a car and killed two men was charged with drink-driving just a month earlier.
Fremantle Magistrate's Court was told yesterday that Andrew David Richmond, whose Ford Falcon ploughed into a Mazda sedan at a Hilton intersection early on April 3, had two previous drink-driving charges.
Mr Richmond was convicted on the most recent of those charges less than 48 hours after the crash that killed Peter Liebeck and Ben Brown.
A third man, Danny Woolhead, was seriously injured. The driver had minor injuries.
Mr Richmond was first charged with driving under the influence and driving an unlicensed vehicle in relation to the crash.
He was due to face court on Wednesday but failed to appear, prompting an arrest warrant.
Once in custody, major crash officers added two counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
He was refused bail yesterday because of what Magistrate Michael Wheeler described as an "appalling record".
The police prosecutor said Mr Richmond registered a blood alcohol level of .166 after the crash and had no recollection of the incident.
Outside court, Mr Liebeck's family said they were outraged to hear of Mr Richmond's previous drink-driving charges.
"I don't hate him but I hate what he's done to all of us," Mr Liebeck's former girlfriend Rebecca Henderson said.
Danny Woolhead, Benny Brown, Ryan Egan and Peter Liebeck. Mr Brown and Mr Liebeck were killed in the crash and Mr Wollhead was injured. Mr Egan was not involved in the crash.
"Peter always had the biggest smile on his face and he always did the right thing.
"He was the life of the party and he didn't need alcohol to smile and he could dance all night long - he was just a real treasure."
Mr Liebeck's mother Madelena Correia said her life had been shattered.
"The sparkle in my eyes has gone and life will never be the same again," she said.
Mr Liebeck's uncle John Correia and aunt Alcinda Coelho said their nephew was always one of the happiest people they knew.
Mr Richardson is due to reappear in court on May 20.
'The sparkle in my eyes has gone and
life will never be the same again.'"Peter Liebeck's mother
Madelena Correia *
