Teenage driver bailed after mum offers $50K to secure his freedom
Papazoglu’s barrister, Allan Goldsworthy, told the court his client had strong community support, was of “demonstrably good character”, worked at a childcare centre, and had upcoming university exams to complete.
“This case boils down to a singular error on a roadway, an allegation of a singular error, albeit with a tragic consequence,” Goldsworthy said.
Magistrate Scott Nash granted Papazoglu bail subject to a set of strict conditions, which included not being able to drive a motor vehicle and reporting to police weekly.
Nash said the alleged facts tendered by police were “distressing”.
Nash said a “reasonably strong prosecution case” against Papazoglu meant a term of imprisonment was “on the cards”, but it was not guaranteed.
Papazoglu, dressed in prison greens, waved to members of his family, who sat in the front row of the courtroom.
Dhareshwar’s death shocked the local community, sparking an outpouring of grief.
“Tragic loss… a loving mother who was just weeks away from welcoming her child,” a tribute posted to social media said.
Another said: “Our prayers and thoughts are with her husband, her child, and all those who knew and loved her.”
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Flowers and cards were laid at the car park entrance where Dhareshwar and her unborn child died.
One mourner said she was on her nightly walk at the time of the collision, arriving at the scene “just after the accident”.
“While we don’t know each other, it was a great privilege to be present with you for those moments,” she said.
“I pray for you and your little one, that you are held with love as you leave this world. Those moments present with you have imprinted a greater depth of love, care and compassion in me.”
In an earlier bid for bail on Sunday, Papazoglu’s lawyer at the time, Patrick Schmidt, told Parramatta Local Court his client had no previous criminal history or driving offences to his name, and was not speeding at the time of the collision or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“This wasn’t a prolonged, intentional act,” Schmidt said.
Tributes left on George Street, Hornsby, where Samanvitha Dhareshwar who was eight months pregnant was struck and killed by a car. Credit: Janie Barrett
“This is… a tragic outcome to a series of unfortunate events.”
Schmidt said Papazoglu would have expected the Kia station wagon to have turned into the car park, but had collided with it after it stopped to let the pedestrians cross.
Papazoglu’s matter will return to court on January 13.
with AAP
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