The life of a devoted Launceston husband and father-of-two was unnecessarily taken because of an "unlawful and dangerous act of driving", a coroner has found.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Investigating the death of Adrian Tudor, Coroner Olivia McTaggart found the 48-year-old died "solely as the result of the irresponsible and dangerous driving" of Dylan Leo Victor Lee.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
The 23-year-old was sentenced to six years' jail in June last year for the manslaughter of Mr Tudor and for causing grievous bodily harm to his passenger, Ashton Whittingham.
Mr Tudor was killed on September 7, 2018 while driving home from a night shift at Coles on Charles Street.
At the intersection of Frederick and Wellington streets, the Ford Falcon sedan being driven by Lee at speeds of between 117 and 123km/h ran a red light and smashed into the driver's side door of Mr Tudor's station wagon.
Mr Tudor's car moved more than 50 metres as a result of the impact and he had to be cut from his vehicle by emergency services.
The crash, which occurred in a 60km/h area, was captured on CCTV footage.
In handing down her findings, Coroner McTaggart noted that the "heavy revving" of Lee's vehicle as it approached the intersection before the crash could be heard in the footage.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Coroner McTaggart accepted the findings of Senior Constable Michal Rybka of Northern Crash Investigation Services, that Lee caused the crash by disobeying the red traffic lights and driving at a dangerous speed.
Coroner McTaggart also acknowledged those who tried to save Mr Tudor, who was pronounced dead on arrival at Launceston General Hospital as the result of chest injuries.
"Mr Tudor's car was heavily damaged, and he was trapped inside," she said.
"Mr Lee left the scene and made no attempt to help Mr Tudor. An employee of a nearby service station tried to assist Mr Tudor, as did others who arrived on the scene, and emergency services were called."
While Coroner McTaggart did not make any formal recommendations, she did issue a warning about dangerous driving.
"Mr Tudor was a devoted husband and father as well as a hard-working and contributing member of the community whose life was taken unnecessarily by an unlawful and dangerous act of driving," she said.
"Those who risk driving in this manner should be aware of the harm that may occur and the punishment that may then follow.
"I extend my appreciation to investigating officer Senior Constable Michal Rybka for his thorough and competent investigation and report.
"I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Tudor."
Sign up to one of our many newsletters: