An “aggressive” motorcyclist will spend more than four years behind bars for killing a cyclist while driving under the influence of “a cocktail of illicit drugs”.
Key points:
- Darren James White hit cyclist Byron Gordon in Henley Beach on New Year’s Day 2021
- White was drugged at the time
- His sentence is 5 years, 4 years without parole
Respected Adelaide GP Byron Gordon was taking a morning bike ride to Henley Beach on New Year’s Day 2021, when he was hit by Darren James White.
Judge Emily Telfer told the court White had methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine and cannabis in his system when he veered off the wrong side of the road and hit Dr. Gordon in the opposite direction.
The court heard that White’s vehicle was driven by Dr. Gordon forwards, before mounting the curb and then crashing into a tree and a stick.
Darren James White (center), who pleaded guilty to killing a doctor riding a bicycle in Henley Beach. (ABC News)
White remained at the scene, but the injured doctor did not attend.
“However, a witness describes your behavior on the scene as aggressive and expresses anger at your car being damaged,” Judge Telfer said.
District Court Judge Emily Telfer. (ABC News)
“Despite the best efforts of the people who were first at the scene and the ambulance officers who later attended, Dr. Gordon died at the scene of the collision.”
Judge Telfer described the victim, Dr. Gordon, as a beloved father, brother, friend, and husband.
“It is clear that the death of Dr. Gordon has left a huge void in their lives,” Judge Telfer said.
“He was a man who had worked hard all his life to help other people and was eager to enjoy the fruits of that hard work as his working life slowed down.
Dr. Byron Gordon, a general practitioner at Kingston Family Clinic in South Brighton, who died while riding a bicycle. (health engine)
“Your actions and decisions have deprived him and his family of their rights.”
The 52-year-old man was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.
White received a 5 percent discount on that sentence because of his conviction that reduced the sentence to five years, two months and 22 days.
Judge Telfer set his probation period at four years, two months and six days and disqualified his driver’s license for 15 years.
The judge told the court he accepted that White was deeply remorseful for his actions.
“Clearly, the decision you made on the morning of January 1 to drive your car was an aberration in a life that would otherwise abide by the law,” Judge Telfer said.
“You clearly feel the weight of what you’ve done a lot.”
Posted 47 minutes ago 47 minutes ago Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 5:28 AM, updated 43 minutes ago Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 5:32 AM