A driver who was speeding through Kings Park and struck a woman during her morning walk has pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving causing death. Lucas Martins Da Silva, 30, was caught on CCTV reaching speeds of approximately 104 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, swerving and overtaking vehicles in the West Perth park. Tragically, he hit Brenda Walker, a 67-year-old university academic, as she crossed the road at a median strip.
The incident occurred just before 7 a.m. on December 10, as Martins Da Silva was en route to work. Police confirmed that no drugs or alcohol were detected in his system at the time. Following the crash, Martins Da Silva stopped, called emergency services, and attempted to assist Walker. The Brazilian national, in Australia on a working visa, pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrate’s Court this morning and is scheduled for sentencing in November. He declined to comment outside the court.
Fatal Stabbing in Baldivis Under Investigation
Meanwhile, WA Police have confirmed that detectives from the homicide squad are investigating a fatal stabbing in Baldivis. A 49-year-old man died in hospital after sustaining critical injuries in an incident at a Bramall Terrace home around 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday. A police spokeswoman stated that a 45-year-old woman is assisting detectives with their inquiries, and that the two individuals were known to each other.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers. The house remains a crime scene as homicide detectives and forensic officers continue their work.
Controversy Over Proposed Burswood Racetrack
In other news, Premier Roger Cook faced tough questions from ABC Perth radio host Nadia Mitsopoulos regarding the state government’s proposed racetrack along the Burswood foreshore. Cook acknowledged the divisive nature of the proposal but noted that major infrastructure projects often face opposition before they are completed. He cited his past opposition to the Optus Stadium and the Graham Farmer Freeway, both of which he now uses frequently.
“We’ve got a consultation process, and we continue to work through our own processes,” Cook said. “This isn’t something that’s come out of the woodwork in the last fortnight; we campaigned on this in the election campaign.” He emphasized the importance of keeping election promises, especially after winning every seat adjacent to the proposed site.
“Once a year, we propose we hold a marquee motorsports event. Now motorsports isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a lot of people’s cup of tea,” Cook stated during the interview.
Sports Update: Fremantle Dockers’ Disappointment
Fremantle defender Luke Ryan has expressed his disappointment following the Dockers’ elimination from the finals. Speaking with Wide World of Sports, the 29-year-old shared his feelings about the early exit. “It was a terrible feeling, I feel there’s so much unfinished business,” Ryan said. He reflected on the team’s performance, noting a poor start but a strong finish in their last match.
When asked if he considered the season a success or failure, Ryan candidly responded, “You’re always going to say failure because you never won the flag, so I see it as growth and improvement, but still a failure.” He predicted Geelong to win the championship.
Legal and Culinary News Highlights
In legal news, Ben Roberts-Smith’s chief financial backer, Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes, faces a $13.5 million bill to cover legal costs incurred by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald in defending the former soldier’s failed defamation case. The Federal Court registrar ordered the newspapers’ costs at $13.3 million, with additional costs bringing the total to $13.5 million.
Meanwhile, a highly trained Perth doctor is facing jail after pleading guilty to fraud for a second time while on a suspended prison sentence for similar offenses. In culinary news, Rory Glacken has taken over as head chef at a prominent local restaurant following the departure of his predecessor, Jack Short.
Stay with us for more updates as they happen throughout the day in Western Australia.
