PROSECUTORS and defence solicitors are locked in negotiations in the case of a man charged in connection to a fatal crash near Manilla.
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Csaba Somogyi did not appear in Tamworth Local Court when his case was called this week, but he was excused from attending after magistrate Mal MacPherson was told it was an application for adjournment.
Somogyi is accused of dangerous driving occasioning death by driving in a manner dangerous, as well as negligent driving occasioning death. He is yet to enter pleas.
The charges stem from a crash during the Riverina Redneck Rally near Manilla on March 5 this year where a man, who was a passenger, died at the scene.
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Solicitor for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Max Dixon said a formal case conference had already been held with the Crown and defence, but more time was needed.
"The parties have held a case conference and essentially would like to hold another," Mr Dixon told the court, appearing via video link.
Somogyi's new solicitor Matthew Lorkin also appeared via video link in court, and joined the adjournment application request.
It was granted by Mr MacPherson who said the parties have a little over a month before the case returns to court in mid-December.
"Bail to continue," he said.
In October, the court heard the DPP had certified the charge of dangerous driving occasioning death by driving in a manner dangerous, and would proceed on that charge.
The negligent driving allegation will proceed on a Section 166 certificate, as a back-up charge, the court was told at the time.
Somogyi was behind the wheel of a Volkswagon Golf in the deadly crash on March 5 on Banoon Road at Banoon, near Borah Creek, just out of Manilla.
Police allege he lost control of the hatchback just after 1pm, and rolled several times before crashing into a tree.
Somogyi was treated for multiple injuries, while his passenger, a 49-year-old man, died at the scene, about 80km from Tamworth.
The pair were competing in the Riverina Redneck Rally and were en route from Warialda to Nundle on the day in question.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
