Zisi Kokotatios, the driver accused of killing promising young lawyer Mitch East in a hit-and-run in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has died, bringing the criminal case to an end.
Kokotatios, 65, was alleged to have been illegally using his mobile phone while driving to collect a passenger about 4am on March 17, 2024, when he struck 28-year-old East in Tamarama and failed to stop to assist.
East was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by emergency services.
He had pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death, with additional charges including negligent driving occasioning death and illegal mobile phone use while driving.
The Downing Centre District Court was told on Friday that Kokotatios had died on November 11. As a result, all charges were withdrawn and the case dismissed. A funeral was held later that month at Rookwood Cemetery.
The matter had been subject to repeated delays following Kokotatios’ arrest in March 2024. A trial, initially scheduled for August, had been postponed and a new date had not yet been set.
East was a graduate of Harvard Law School and worked at Sydney law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler after beginning his legal career in New Zealand.
Source: 9News.
