A 19-year-old motorist stands accused of triggering a catastrophic chain of events that resulted in the death of an expectant mother outside a Hornsby carpark last November. Aaron Papazoglu now confronts an upgraded charge of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death, with authorities alleging he exceeded the speed limit by more than 45 km/h during the incident.
The tragedy unfolded on George Street when police indicate a Kia Carnival had appropriately slowed to allow Samanvitha Dhareshwar, 33, and her family to safely cross the footpath. Prosecutors assert Papazoglu’s BMW sedan then collided with the stationary Kia, propelling it forward with sufficient force to fatally strike Ms. Dhareshwar, who was approximately 32 weeks pregnant.
Initially charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and causing the loss of a fetus, Papazoglu received the additional serious charge on January 6th following extended investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The new charge carries significantly heightened penalties under New South Wales traffic legislation.
The case underwent preliminary proceedings at Downing Centre Local Court this week, resulting in a four-week adjournment. Papazoglu, who secured bail shortly after the November incident, has yet to enter formal pleas regarding any charges. The matter returns to court on February 17th for further proceedings as the prosecution continues building its case against the teenage driver.