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Diabetic Driver Loses Bid for Silence in Crash Inquest
Coroner rules Swale's testimony crucial to understand the fatal crash and guide prevention despite dismissed charges and his objections, with inquest set for March.
- In a court hearing on Wednesday, Coroner Dimitra Dubrow ordered William Swale to give evidence at the inquest, finding it in the interests of justice.
- Mr Swale, a type-1 diabetic, suffered a severe hypoglycaemic episode while driving that led to him passing out and his vehicle hitting diners outside the Royal Daylesford Hotel at about 6.07pm on November 5, 2023.
- Initially, Swale faced 14 charges including five counts of culpable driving, but a Ballarat magistrate struck them out in 2024 after finding his actions involuntary, and Victoria's DPP declined to indict due to expert evidence.
- The coroner will give Swale a certificate preventing direct use of his evidence, while his barrister Dermot Dann KC warned compelled testimony could help prosecutors reformulate charges.
- The inquest is expected to begin in March and will examine diabetic driver guidelines, public education, and outdoor dining and road safety, with Dimitra Dubrow calling Swale's evidence `critical`.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left6Leaning Right4Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
R 36%
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