Drivers cleared over death crash
Two men charged over the death over a teenager in a chain reaction of collisions after an alleged tailgating incident have been cleared by a jury.
Robert David Allan had pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Jesse Phillis, 17, on Watkins Road, Mundijong, on June 23, 2013.
Robert David Allan acquitted of dangerous driving causing death. Picture: Mogens Johansen/The West Australian
Blair James Annandale faced a joint trial on the same charge for failing to pay proper attention when he hit the rear of the car in which Jesse was a passenger.
Prosecutors had claimed Mr Allan had deliberately slowed his white Mitsubishi van from 70km/h to 40km/h in frustration at a red Suzuki, in which Jesse was a passenger, being too close behind his car.
Mr Annandale then crashed into the car, causing it to spin into another car travelling in the opposite direction.
The State alleged there was “absolutely no reason” other than Mr Allan's frustration at being tailgated for him slowing down.
But lawyers for both men denied their driving had been dangerous - and after three hours deliberations, the jury agreed and acquitted both men.
Blair Annandale not guilty of dangerous driving causing the death.
Neither man, nor family of Mr Phillis, commented outside court.
