George Kyriakidis spared jail after dangerous driving incident causes death of 16-year-old boy

·

A Sydney truck driver found guilty of dangerous driving causing death after running over a 16-year-old boy has been spared jail time.

In delivering his verdict in the District Court on Friday, judge John Pickering told George Kyriakidis when he finally gets his licence back “don’t ever, ever take a shortcut home”.

In August 2018, Kyriakidis was driving his 11-tonne tipper truck home and had slowed down almost to a crawling pace near a busy Bankstown street junction before making an illegal right-hand turn. At the same time, Jason Nguyen had run from a nature strip diagonally across lanes of traffic to get to his home in a street nearby, also making an illegal crossing.

Jason Nguyen was killed when Kyriakidis made an illegal right-hand turn. Credit: 7NEWS

Judge Pickering said like many great tragedies in life, two unfortunate things happened at the same time. The judge added that Kyriakidis made a “selfish” and “quick decision” to break the law but had no reasonable expectation a pedestrian would be crossing at that section of the road at that time.

Over a six-day trial, Kyriakidis had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury after more than a day of deliberations.

Kyriakidis is to serve a community corrections order for two years, along with other conditions including supervision from Bankstown Community Corrections centre.

In a victim impact statement, Nguyen’s mother said her family’s life had forever changed since his death, and she still cries with pain which still feels so large.

She hopes to “protect her remaining loves ones as I failed to protect my late son”.

“[I] still cry with pain which still feels so large.”

Kyriakidis acknowledged his life had been permanently altered by his decision to take a shortcut home that day, and was already serving “a greater personal punishment” than any other he could be brought to bear.

Sourced By: Seven News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Oldest Greek marble altar found in western Mediterranean

Archaeologists have uncovered a marble column fragment from the 5th century B.C. at the Casas del Turuñuelo site in southwestern Spain.

Alpha restaurant to host centenary celebration honouring Mikis Theodorakis

On Sunday, August 24 at 12pm, Alpha restaurant will host 'Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis' featuring the Australian Hellenic Choir.

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

You May Also Like

Jon Adgemis new hospitality group revitalises Sydney’s pub scene

Jon Adgemis' Public Hospitality Group is transforming old inner-city pubs into multi-level dining and accommodation experiences.

Public consultation begins on landmark draft bill for postal voting

Public consultation has commenced on a much-anticipated draft bill that will allow Greek citizens to participate in mail-in voting.

Greek ship crew held hostage after kidnapping off West Africa

Greek authorities said on Sunday that negotiations are underway to free three sailors kidnapped by pirates off the coast of West Africa.