Couple mown down walking

KIM WATERS
A TEENAGER whose car hit two pedestrians as she changed radio stations has lost her licence for three months.
Geelong Magistrates Court heard Leopold’s Ella Gasparini, 18, had held her licence for less than a week when she ran down and seriously injured the man and his wife.
She faced court on Wednesday on a charge of careless driving.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Glenn Abbott said Gasparini lost control of her Volkswagen convertible on Melaluka Road when she bent down to change radio stations.
Her car veered onto the opposite side of the road, hitting three concrete drainpipes and 15 metres of wire fencing before the pedestrians, Sen Const Abbott said.
Sen Const Abbott told the court the victims spent nine and three weeks in hospital respectively with injuries including pelvis, knee and leg fractures.
Gasparini’s lawyer said her client wrote a letter of apology to her victims and undertook an RACV skills development course.
Magistrate Ron Saines acknowledged Gasparini’s remorse and good character.
“I accept that this is an offence which has occurred without any element of…criminality.
“But, of course on the other hand, the consequences of your driving…caused significant injury.
“It is because of the consequences of your offending I consider it appropriate for a licence suspension order.”
Mr Saines also convicted Gasparini, fined her $300 and ordered her to complete an advanced driver education course.