Real Estate Director Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Involvement in Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident

Strategic Insights -

Madeleine Damo A real estate director who was working as an Uber driver when he allegedly hit and killed a promising lawyer in Sydney's east will fight the charges. First Impression Property Group managing director Zisi Kokotatsios, 65, faced John Maddison Tower court on Thursday where he pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, driver using a mobile phone, and a backup charge of negligent driving occasioning death. Around 4am on March 17 last year, Kokotatsios - who was en route to pick up a rideshare passenger - allegedly hit 28 year-old lawyer Mitch East who was lying on the road outside his home. Mr East, who had just been dropped home by an Uber, was found with critical injuries and died at the scene. It is alleged Kokotatsios was using his phone at the time and continued driving after the impact. Mr East was a Harvard Graduate who had moved to Sydney from his native New Zealand to take up a position at leading firm Arnold Bloch Leibler. In a company email sent to staff following his death, Mr East was described as a talented lawyer, and a popular and valued member of the firm.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zisi Kokotatsios, 65, pleaded not guilty to five charges in relation to a fatal hit-and-run accident in Sydney's east.
  • The incident occurred on March 17, 2022, when Kokotatsios allegedly hit and killed 28-year-old lawyer Mitch East, who had just been dropped home by an Uber.
  • Mr. East was a Harvard Graduate and a valued member of the law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler.
  • Kokotatsios was driving for Uber at the time of the incident and allegations suggest he was using his phone.
  • The case has been ongoing for over a year, with Kokotatsios subject to strict bail conditions.

Statistics:

  • The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 am on March 17.
  • The victim, Mitch East, was 28 years old at the time of his death.
  • Kokotatsios was driving a vehicle for Uber at the time of the incident.
  • The case has been before the court for over 1 year.

Sources:

  • "Real estate director pleads not guilty to alleged involvement in fatal hit-and-run accident" (source not provided)
  • Arnold Bloch Leibler - company website
  • Harvard University - company website (specific article regarding Mitch East's achievements not found)