The truck driver accused of killing four police officers on the Eastern Freeway will face court again in November, after being charged with 33 additional offences.
Mohinder Singh, 47, from Cranbourne, was charged with four counts of culpable driving, an offence which carries a maximum 20-year jail term, after his truck allegedly veered across multiple lanes and struck the officers on 22 April.
He appeared via video link at the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court for a committal mention on 1 October, but the case was adjourned to 12 November. His lawyer, however, Stephen Pica declined to comment to the media.
Mr Singh was served with the additional charges on 17 August including four counts of dangerous driving causing death, drive under the influence, trafficking methamphetamine, and trafficking cannabis.
It has also been revealed for the first time that Mr Singh has been accused of possessing and trafficking 1.4 Butanediol, a chemical that is used to make floor stripper, paint thinner, and other solvent products which is sometimes used as a substitute for other illegal substances such GHB – as well as possessing diazepam, cultivate a narcotic plant, and deal proceeds of crime.
Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney died while they were dealing with a Porsche driver in the emergency lane of the freeway.
Mr Singh has been remanded in custody since facing the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on 27 April. He is due to return to court for a committal mention hearing on 1 October.
The additional charges come after detectives from Taskforce Paragon charged 49-year-old Simon Tuteru following his arrest in Lyndhurst 2 August in relation to the crash.
The Frankston man, who is understood to be the Victorian manager of trucking company, Connect Logistics, has been charged with four counts of manslaughter.
Victoria Police said the arrest followed an extensive three-month investigation led by Road Policing Operations and Investigation Division with the help of specialist investigators from across Victoria Police.
Days after the crash Victoria Police raided properties at residential addresses in Frankston and Croydon linked to a refrigeration chicken company. At the time police also executed a search warrant at the home of Mr Singh but did reveal what they had found.
The four Victorian police officers were killed as they prepared to impound a black Porsche 911 after the driver Richard Pusey was allegedly caught speeding.
Mr Singh was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and had remained under police guard in hospital before later being interviewed.
At the time, then Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the truck driver did not appear have an extensive criminal history.
