Goulburn Valley fatal crash driver faces court

By Monique Preston

Mar 24, 2023

In court: The driver involved in a fatal crash at Waranga Shores appeared in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court for the first time. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

The elderly man charged over a fatal car accident at Waranga Shores on Friday, March 17, has faced court for the first time.

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Harold Watson Rayner, 87, of Nagambie, is charged with dangerous driving causing death.

He appeared briefly in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 24, in a filing hearing that set dates for administrative matters and his next court appearance.

The charge comes after a collision between Mr Rayner’s four-wheel drive and a motorbike on Rushworth-Tatura Rd.

In court Mr Rayner’s bail was extended, with conditions that he not drive, not contact prosecution witnesses, and not attend international points of departure.

He must also live in Nagambie, but can tell the police informant 24 hours before any address change.

This condition was made to allow him to travel in Queensland mid-year, as he does most years, if he decides to do so.

No pleas have been entered.

Mr Rayner will next appear in court in August for a committal mention.

Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Chris Cole asked for this extended deadline so that an accident reproduction investigation into the crash could take place.