Teenager Aaron Papazoglu faces multiple serious driving charges after a fatal crash in Hornsby that killed 33-year-old Samanvidha Dhareshwar, who was eight months pregnant, and her unborn baby.
Police allege the 19-year-old P-plater caused the collision on Friday night when his BMW struck the back of a Kia, forcing it forward into Dhareshwar as she walked toward Hornsby train station with her husband.
Police said paramedics fought to save the mother and baby, but both died shortly after. Assistant Commissioner David Driver described it as a “terrible, terrible story.”
Papazoglu and the Kia driver were uninjured and taken for mandatory testing. After being released from hospital, he was arrested a few hours later following a Crash Investigation Unit probe.
At Hornsby Police Station, he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, drive manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death, and cause loss of foetus – death of pregnant woman.
Police sources allege that while in custody, Papazoglu repeatedly asked officers about the condition of his BMW rather than the victims.
As locals laid flowers at the scene, Papazoglu appeared before Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.
His lawyer, Patrick Schmidt, argued for release, citing no prior criminal or traffic history, university studies, work in after-school care, strong family support and the fact “it’s not uncommon for people to punch through an orange light.”
He stressed there were no allegations of alcohol, drugs or street racing.
Prosecutor Candice Chapman opposed bail, saying Papazoglu posed an “ongoing risk to community safety” and that “this wasn’t a momentary lapse of judgement.”
Magistrate Ray Plibersek refused bail, calling the circumstances “very serious” and “tragic,” adding: “My heart goes out to that family for their loss.”
As he was taken back into custody, Papazoglu said, “I just really want to see my family.”
Tributes continued to grow at the crash site, including a note from a witness that read, “Words can’t describe how sorry I am that this has happened to you… I pray for you and your little one, that you are held with love as you leave this world.”
