Cops seek advice on smash charges

ERIN PEARSON
POLICE are seeking legal advice on potential new charges over the road accident death of Lara woman Casey Hardiman, a senior officer has revealed.
Torquay Police Sergeant Kelly Duhig said the legal advice would determine the “most suitable” charges.
The incident could also spark an inquest, he said.
Ms Hardiman, 25, died in December when she swerved her vehicle to avoid plastic plant pots that had fallen off a trailer behind a ute.
Her yellow Hyundai crossed Surf Coast Hwy near Mt Duneed before colliding head-on with a vehicle carrying two women aged in their 50s and 60s.
Ms Hardiman died at the scene. Both the older women were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
Police later released a video of a ute filmed near the accident, calling for the driver to come forward. A Torquay man presented himself to police in January.
Police initially expected to charge the 41-year-old with failing to secure a load but Sgt Duhig said he could now face other charges.
“At this stage we’re waiting to hear back on whether or not more or different charges could be laid,” Sgt Duhig said.
“We understand this has taken some time since the incident but we expect a decision within the next month or so.”
Sgt Duhig said police seeking legal advice about additional charges was “rare”.
“We need to make sure whatever charges are laid are the correct charges,” he said.