THE man charged with the driving death of a Tamworth mother has refused to get a solicitor, and has now been ordered to stand trial.
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Chris McKinney was still walking with the aid of a walking stick in Tamworth Local Court this week, after injuries suffered in the crash, earlier this year.
He is accused of causing the February 28 head-on collision, on the New England Highway near Bendemeer, that claimed the life of a 44-year-old mother-of-three.
"I will still represent myself," McKinney told the court.
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DPP solicitor Andrew Baker tendered a charge certificate, confirming the case against McKinney. But he said the DPP was unable to have a case conference - the necessary next step in the legal process for negotiations on the case between the Crown and defence - because McKinney was unrepresented.
"He's had a number of opportunities. He's spoken to Legal Aid as I understand, and they're not able to act for him," Magistrate Julie Soars said.
The court heard McKinney is still living in Victoria, and is supported by a friend to travel up for the case, because he had his licence suspended.
"Go ahead, commit it," McKinney said, confirming he was pleading not guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death by driving in a dangerous manner.
"You want it committed for trial to the district court?" Ms Soars asked.
"That's correct," McKinney replied.
It's being going on, and on, and on. I just want to get it over and done with.
- Accused Chris McKinney
"It's being going on, and on, and on. I just want to get it over and done with."
McKinney is also accused of negligent driving occasioning death, which will be dealt with at trial as a back-up offence, Mr Baker said.
Ms Soars formally committed McKinney for trial, with the case adjourned to late-February for McKinney to formally be arraigned and enter a plea.
In August, Mr McKinney had advice from Legal Aid but refused to accept it, telling the court: "I'm not prepared to sign a blank piece of paper for them to take my home from me."
Police allege McKinney was travelling in a Volkswagen SUV from Lismore to Victoria, and crossed to the northbound lane near Rocky Gully on the morning of February 28.
The 44-year-old woman was headed north from Tamworth when the southbound SUV and her Suzuki Swift collided head-on. She died at the scene.
The 62-year-old SUV driver was airlifted to hospital in Newcastle and spent months recovering from serious injuries.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
