Arabic version: حُكم على سائق بالسجن بسبب حادث دهس قاتل بدراجة كهربائية في نيوكاسل

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to a maximum of five years in jail for the fatal hit and run of 14-year-old Bryson Dimovski near Newcastle. Jaycob Gemza pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop and assist after the incident that occurred on July 28, 2023. According to ABC News, the court heard that Gemza was using his phone while driving when he struck the teenager, who was riding an e-scooter.

The Newcastle District Court was informed that Gemza’s vehicle drifted about one metre into the fog lane, hitting Dimovski and propelling him onto the bonnet before he was thrown down an embankment. Following the collision, Gemza paused briefly at the scene but failed to call emergency services. Instead, he concealed his vehicle in a back street before leaving to seek a ride from his girlfriend, believing he might be over the alcohol limit.

Judge Paul Marr noted that Gemza’s distraction from his phone contributed to the crash, stating that had he been attentive, he could have avoided hitting the victim. Gemza will serve a non-parole period of three years and three months, with eligibility for parole set for February 2029.

Following the sentencing, Bryson Dimovski’s family expressed their anger, with his father, Andrew Dimovski, criticizing the court’s decision. He lamented that his son was left to die on the roadside and called for a review of laws regarding penalties for hit and run incidents. Judge Marr emphasized the importance of road safety and urged courtroom attendees to prioritize driving over distractions like mobile phones.