Eastern Freeway truck driver Mohinder Singh expresses remorse as he pleads guilty
The truck driver involved in the Eastern Freeway crash is "very sorry" for the deaths of four police officers and wants to thank Victoria Police for the professionalism they showed during the investigation, a court has heard.
Mohinder Singh, 48, pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday to four counts of culpable driving causing death following the April 22 crash that killed Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney.
Mohinder Singh.Credit:Nine News
Mr Singh, who appeared from jail via video link, also pleaded guilty to dealing with the proceeds of crime, possessing a drug of dependence and drug trafficking. His case will now move to the Supreme Court.
After Mr Singh pleaded guilty, his lawyer Peter Morrissey said he wanted to make a brief remark.
"Mr Singh would like to be clear he is very sorry for the deaths of the four police officers. They are innocent people. And he pleads guilty now and we will conduct the proceedings very respectfully in the Supreme Court," he said.
"And the other remark to make is Victoria Police has taken a hammering in recent times. We would like to note the professionalism in which they conducted the investigation in this case in very emotional and trying circumstances."
Mr Singh will next face court on December 11.
In August, Frankston man Simiona Tuteru, 49, a manager at trucking company Connect Logistics, was arrested and charged with four counts of manslaughter in connection to the crash.
Police allege that Mr Tuteru, who co-ordinated drivers at Connect Logistics, knew before the crash that Mr Singh's mental state had deteriorated due to a lack of sleep and alleged drug use.
On Thursday, the court heard that Mr Tuteru would defend these charges and that his lawyers are seeking to call a large number of witnesses at his next court date.
Mr Singh was initially charged with four counts of culpable driving causing death in the days after the April 22 crash.
Police charged him with 33 extra offences in August, and then withdrew 27 charges last month.
Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and Constable Glen Humphris were killed in the Eastern Freeway collision.
The four officers were in the emergency lane of the Eastern Freeway preparing to arrest Porsche driver Richard Pusey, who had allegedly been caught speeding.
In a statement released by his lawyer in the days after the crash, Mr Singh was said to be "genuinely sorry and saddened that four people have lost their lives as a result of the collision".
"He is acutely aware of the impact upon the families, friends and work colleagues of those that lost their lives."
One of the police cars being removed from the scene of the Eastern Freeway crash. Credit:Eddie Jim
Mr Pusey was granted bail in October. He will face trial in the County Court on one charge of drug possession, plus reckless conduct endangering serious injury and reckless conduct endangering death, which relate to his alleged speeding.
He will also face trial for the rare offence of outraging public decency. Mr Pusey has pleaded not guilty.
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Simone is a crime reporter for The Age. Most recently she covered breaking news for The Age, and before that for The Australian in Melbourne.