Christopher Joannidis has pleaded guilty to a deadly crash that claimed the lives of five people in northern Victoria last year.
Mr Joannidis was driving a white Mercedes when he was pulled over before the accident for speeding in Yarroweyah on Thursday, 20 April 2023.
The crash occurred two kilometres away when Mr Joannidis’ car collided with a ute, causing it to hit an oncoming truck near the New South Wales border.
Debbie Markey, 62, and overseas workers Pin-Yu Wang, Hsin-Yu Chen, Wai Yan Lam and Zih-Yao Chen were killed in the smash.
Police alleged that Mr Joannidis was travelling at 118km/h in a 100km/h zone and charged him with five counts of dangerous driving causing death after he admitted to being the driver of the Mercedes. Mr Joannidis also returned a positive test for cannabis, although a follow-up reading was negative.
At the time, Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said it was Victoria’s deadliest road crash in more than a decade.
Mr Joannidis was set to face trial later this month in Shepparton after pleading not guilty to the charges. However, he faced the County Court in Melbourne today and changed his plea.
“Guilty,” Mr Joannidis said, when asked his response to the charges.
Mr Joannidis, who is out on bail, was supported by family members in court and will face a pre-sentence hearing on November 27.
Source: ABC News.
