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Traffic accidents

Driver Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Scott Death, 34, appeared in Orange District Court on Thursday, where he was sentenced to three years and two months in prison for killing an elderly man in a drunk driving crash. Death reversed out of a driveway at speed in the NSW central west town of Cowra and hit a Cowra Bowling Club courtesy bus, causing Raymond Padgett, 84, to be thrown from the vehicle and killed.

Death had attended a family function before the crash, consuming five alcoholic beverages. Magistrate Penny Musgrave said that Death's operation of the vehicle was impaired by his mid-range blood alcohol level, putting not only himself but also other road users at risk. The court heard that Death lied to police after the crash, initially claiming that his vehicle had been stolen, but later admitted to being behind the wheel and expressed remorse for his actions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scott Death was sentenced to three years and two months in prison for causing the death of Raymond Padgett in a drunk driving crash.
  • Death consumed five alcoholic beverages before the crash and recorded a mid-range blood alcohol level when tested by police.
  • Magistrate Penny Musgrave said that Death's operation of the vehicle was impaired by his blood alcohol level, putting other road users at risk.
  • Death initially lied to police after the crash, but later admitted to being behind the wheel and expressed remorse for his actions.
  • The crash occurred when Death reversed out of a driveway at speed in the NSW central west town of Cowra and hit a Cowra Bowling Club courtesy bus.
  • Five victim impact statements were read out to the court, describing Padgett as a "beloved father" and a "great mate."
  • Death is eligible for parole in September 2026, with his sentence backdated to March 2025.

Statistics:

  • 23 metres: the distance the bus rolled following the collision.
  • 5: the number of alcoholic beverages Death consumed before the crash.
  • 34: the age of Scott Death at the time of the sentencing.
  • 84: the age of Raymond Padgett at the time of his death.
  • 12 months: the amount of time Death was heard to say he would be in prison, sparking an emotional response from his family.

Sources:

  • "Driver sentenced to over three years in prison for fatal drunk driving crash." (no date available, exact format not specified in original material)

Note: The original text does not include any external references or specific publication information, so it is not possible to provide any additional sources beyond what is listed.

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