Advertisement

Driver David Johnathon Holmyard pleads not guilty over fatal Evandale smash

A Launceston man has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter following a crash at Evandale, in northern Tasmania, last year.

David Johnathon Holmyard, 25 was charged over the death of 54-year-old Maureen Flanagan last November.

Ms Flanagan was killed when a car, that was allegedly driven by Holmyard, smashed into the side of her utility as she was turning into her driveway.

Police allege Holmyard was driving at 109 kilometres per hour in a 60kph zone and 174 kilometres per hour in an 80kph zone before the crash occured.

Police say they followed his car for a short distance but lost sight of it before the crash.

In the Magistrates Court in Launceston, Holmyard also denied driving at night without headlights, one count of exceeding the speed limit, failing to return his drivers licence while it was suspended and breaching tyre tread standards.

He admitted to a second count of exceeding the speed limit, evading police, driving while over the blood alcohol limit and two counts of driving under the influence of an illegal drug, as well as driving while his license was suspended, using an unregistered vehicle, driving without premium cover, exceeding the speed limit and failing to keep left of a dividing line.

Holmyard was committed to stand trial for manslaughter in the Supreme Court at Launceston in June.

The other charges were adjourned until the Supreme Court matter is dealt with.