The son of the man responsible for the tragic Boxing Day crash that claimed the lives of four people, including himself, and left another in a critical condition, has appeared in court on dangerous driving charges.
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Shane Andrew Whitall, appeared in Milton Local Court on January 11 faced with offences including breaking and entering, and drug cultivation.
Both Magistrate Gabriel Fleming and NSW Police Prosecutor Sargent John de Laroche paused court proceedings to extend their condolences to the Ulladulla man.
“Mr Whitall, I am sorry for your loss,” Magistrate Fleming said.
“Please extend my condolences to your family,” Sgt de Laroche added.
The 26-year-old’s father, Craig Whitall, died when he failed to negotiate a sweeping left-hand bend on the Princes Highway at Mondayong, north of Bendalong, and crashed head-on into a car carrying the Falkholt family from Ryde on December 26.
The 51-year-old died at the scene, as did Lars Falkholt, 69 and his wife Vivian, 60.
The Falkholts' two adult daughters, Home and Away actress Jessica, 28 and Annabelle, 21 were pulled from the wreckage by passing motorists moments before both vehicles burst into flames.
Annabelle passed away from injuries sustained the crash on December 29, while Jessica’s life-support was turned off on January 11.
Documents tendered to the court show police will allege Whitall was driving with an expired licence, in an unregistered and uninsured blue Toyota Camry station wagon when he was pulled over for dangerous driving and failing to stop at a stop sign on South Street, Ulladulla on September 28 last year.
Whitall and co-accused Shaun McDonald, 29, of Ulladulla both face charges of breaking and entering an Ulladulla house on November 25 last year.
Police will allege the men entered a property on Carramar Crescent shortly after 11am and stole a mechanic’s toolbox.
Documents show police believe they have a strong case, supported by a number of witnesses.
The duo were granted conditional bail at the time of the offence which will continue until their next appearance.
A condition of the bail does not allow the two men to associate with one another, however an exception was granted to allow them to attend Craig Whitall’s upcoming funeral.
Whitall also faces charges of cultivating cannabis stemming from an incident on December 10.
Solicitor Simone Foggo, acting for Brett Ford, did not enter pleas for Whitall and all matters were adjourned until January 25.
Solicitor Peter Ryan did not enter a plea for McDonald. His case will return to court on February 15.