THE state's top prosecutor will today be sentenced on death driving charges. Magistrate Chris Webster will this afternoon sentence Director of Public Prosecutions Tim Ellis for the crime of causing the death of 27-year-old Launceston woman Natalia Pearn by negligent driving. Ellis was driving in the wrong lane of the Midland Highway near Spring Hill on March 24 last year when his Mercedes struck Miss Pearn's hatchback, killing her instantly. Earlier this month Ellis lost an appeal against his guilty verdict in the Supreme Court of Tasmania by an interstate judge. Miss Pearn's parents, Kris and Alan, have prepared victim impact statements. Mr Webster will also consider Ellis's mitigating factors. Mr and Mrs Pearn will not be attending the sentence, saying they will be too emotional to be in the court room. The government has not commented on the matter while it has been in court, but pressure is mounting to make a decision on the future of Ellis's position. Under Tasmanian law, the DPP is a lifetime position. The DPP can be removed from office if he is "guilty of misbehaviour", and only the governor has the power to remove him. Ellis faces a maximum penalty of a $1300 fine and 12 months in prison.
THE state's top prosecutor will today be sentenced on death driving charges.
Magistrate Chris Webster will this afternoon sentence Director of Public Prosecutions Tim Ellis for the crime of causing the death of 27-year-old Launceston woman Natalia Pearn by negligent driving.
Ellis was driving in the wrong lane of the Midland Highway near Spring Hill on March 24 last year when his Mercedes struck Miss Pearn's hatchback, killing her instantly.
Earlier this month Ellis lost an appeal against his guilty verdict in the Supreme Court of Tasmania by an interstate judge.
Miss Pearn's parents, Kris and Alan, have prepared victim impact statements.
Mr Webster will also consider Ellis's mitigating factors.
Mr and Mrs Pearn will not be attending the sentence, saying they will be too emotional to be in the court room.
The government has not commented on the matter while it has been in court, but pressure is mounting to make a decision on the future of Ellis's position.
Under Tasmanian law, the DPP is a lifetime position.
The DPP can be removed from office if he is "guilty of misbehaviour", and only the governor has the power to remove him.
Ellis faces a maximum penalty of a $1300 fine and 12 months in prison.
