By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A MAGISTRATE has questioned why a man suffering chronic post-accident pain had a licence after his careless driving caused another driver to spin out of control on Monash Freeway.
At court, Leon Gecevic pleaded guilty but had no recollection of striking the victim’s vehicle from behind in the inbound right-lane just before the Hallam Road exit just about 12.20am on 15 February.
The victim and two friends were spun in their vehicle, which rebounded off median strip wires across the freeway and came to rest on an embankment on the left side.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Joshua Diemar told the court Gecevic blamed an object that “flipped up” and cracked his windscreen.
The victim observed Gecevic at the time was “spacy”, didn’t make sense or know what was happening, Sen Const Diemar said.
At an interview with Narre Warren police, the man couldn’t recall driving, the collision or any reason for careless driving.
Gecevic’s lawyer, armed with a psychological report on the accused, said there was no suggestion that drugs were involved.
Gecevic was currently claiming a TAC supplement for permanent injuries incurred in an accident two years ago. He was on “significant” medication for his chronic pain.
The lawyer pleaded for the magistrate not to cancel the accused’s licence, since he lives in his car.
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell ordered the lawyer to ask VicRoads to assess if Gecevic was suitable to drive.
“It has always concerned me when someone comes in and says they were not capable of driving on the day.
“He’s got no prior history but given the needs raised in the (psychological) report, there should be an assessment on his ability to drive.”
Gecevic was convicted and fined $600.
