A father faces trial after his 11-year-old son died in a car crash in Wakerley, with evidence suggesting the father was speeding and performed an illegal U-turn before losing control of the vehicle.
The Incident and Court Proceedings
Phillip Andrew Bale is facing charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and driving with a relevant drug present in his blood, following a crash that resulted in the death of his son, Jasper Bale. The incident occurred on Manly Road in Wakerley.
The court heard that Jasper was seated in the back of the family’s Holden Commodore when the vehicle crashed. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Mr Bale exceeded the speed limit, with video analysis indicating 87km/h, 74km/h, and 65km/h in a 70km/h zone.
Witness Accounts and Evidence
Witnesses at the scene reported that the vehicle had performed an illegal U-turn at the intersection of Hargreaves Road. One witness, Timothy Barrens, stated that the road was wet at the time of the incident, with some water on the surface.
He described seeing Mr Bale accelerate hard to correct the vehicle’s position after the U-turn, which is difficult due to the road’s narrowness. Further witness accounts indicated that the car veered to the left, hit a traffic island kerb, and spun approximately 360 degrees before colliding with a traffic light pole. The court was told that the car had no mechanical faults.
Legal Arguments and Trial Details
During earlier court proceedings, the defence argued that the vehicle may have aquaplaned due to the wet conditions and that police observations were consistent with this. However, the magistrate determined that witness testimony regarding the vehicle’s speed provided sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
The prosecution also presented evidence that the vehicle had run a red light before the crash. The case was committed to the Brisbane District Court, where Mr. Bale’s trial is now underway. The court heard Mr Bale was travelling westbound, where U-turns are prohibited. His bail has been continued.
Published Date 05-March-2025
