Alexander James Vadeikis, 21, of Benowa, has pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle during an unlawful street race in Southport on 22 March 2024.
Police dropped an allegation that his driving contributed to the death of pedestrian Daimler Kyle Hipolito Bermudo, 21, who was struck moments after the race by Vadeikis’ friend David Saji Mathew.
In court, police prosecutor Rodney Keyte noted Vadeikis only raced Mathew for about 70 metres before desisting and played no role in the fatal collision.
Defence counsel Ruth O’Gorman KC said Vadeikis “witnessed the fatality,” returned to the scene, and remained while emergency services were called.
Vadeikis, a Griffith University psychology student with no prior criminal record, has undergone 46 therapy sessions and completed the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program.
Magistrate Joan White fined him $1,500 and disqualified him from driving for six months, with no conviction recorded.
The Bermudo family expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, saying, “Street racing is not harmless… Kyle was only 21. We live with a life sentence of grief every single day.”
Source: Gold Coast Bulletin.
