Charlotte Foster
Legal

New details revealed as Daylesford driver's lawyer speaks out

Important information about the 66-year-old man who crashed into the Royal Hotel in Daylesford has been released. 

According to the man's lawyer, he required immediate treatment at the scene, as the elderly man is an insulin-dependent diabetic. 

Detectives interviewed the man, a Mount Macedon local, for the first time on Tuesday, but was not arrested or charged.

Solicitor Martin Amad, who is representing the driver, said his client returned a negative alcohol breath test after the crash, and has no previous criminal history.

"It was a terrible tragedy," Amad said.

"My client has been interviewed by Victoria Police. He has not been charged with any offence. It's anticipated the investigation will take some time."

"He is deeply distressed and feels great empathy for the families and friends of the victims and wider Daylesford community."

The driver remains in the hospital and is undergoing medical treatment. 

“At this time the driver has not been charged, with inquiries to continue after his eventual release from care,” a police statement provided to the Herald Sun said.

Just days after the devastating car crash, the town of Daylesford is in mourning after five people died in the car crash. 

Pratibha Sharma, her husband Jatin Chugh, and her daughter Anvi were enjoying the last of the weekend at the Royal Hotel in Daylesford when a white BMW SUV crashed into the beer garden on Sunday evening. 

Sharma and Chugh died at the scene, while nine-year-old Anvi was flown to hospital but did not survive her injuries and was later pronounced dead. 

The family were joined by their friends, Vivek Bhatia, 38, his wife, and their two kids at the pub. 

Vivek and his 11-year-old son Vihaan were both killed in the crash, while the 36-year-old woman, and a second son, aged six, were taken to hospital for their injuries.

Image credits: Nine

Tags:
legal, Daylesford, crash, driver, lawyer