By KATH GANNAWAY
THE father of Sophie Stephens last week pleaded not guilty to seven charges in relation to her death.
Sophie, 9, was killed when she was thrown from a four-wheel drive buggy driven by Ricky Stephens on his Yarra Glen property in September last year.
Stephens, 39, appeared at a committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 11 November, and was granted bail to face seven charges including culpable driving, dangerous driving causing death, reckless conduct endangering life and minor charges including one relating to failure to wear seat belts.
The court heard that Stephens had just taken possession of the buggy when he took passengers, including Sophie, for a ride.
Detective Senior Constable Rob Hay of the Major Collision Unit at Brunswick told the court he had conducted investigations at the scene including taking measurements and photographs of tyre tracks and other indicators both in the paddock where the incident occurred, as well as on the road.
Det Sen Const Hay was questioned extensively by George Georgiou acting on behalf of Stephens about the technical and handling capabilities of the buggy, the definitions of yawing, striations and ‘hooning’, and the conclusions that were being drawn from Det Sen Const Hay’s investigations.
Stephens was bailed to appear at the County Court the next day for a directions hearing.
