Trent DeZoete was killed at a burnout competition in Stawell in November and a mechanical assessment later found that a brake line had likely failed during the event. During a court hearing, it was revealed that the accused man, Dridan, had also been evicted from the Summernats car competition multiple times for dangerous driving. Police alleged that Dridan repeatedly failed to take evasive action and avoid a fatality during the fatal crash. Dridan was captured on body-worn camera footage saying that he lost his brakes and tried to stop but couldn’t. The court heard that VicRoads suspended Dridan’s license pending a medical review after the fatal crash, but he was later caught speeding, running a red light, and testing positive for methamphetamine. His license was later lifted, but on April 16, he allegedly crashed a Lamborghini into a family home after losing control at a roundabout.
The prosecution argued that Dridan’s driving history included multiple offenses such as driving without P-plates, using a mobile phone while driving, and having an unrestrained child in his vehicle. Police had impounded three cars connected to Dridan, and they feared that if he was released on bail, he would continue to access cars through his mechanic business and drive while impaired by drugs. Dridan is facing charges including dangerous driving causing death, reckless conduct, and driving in a dangerous manner. The court heard that Dridan’s defense lawyer argued he was a vulnerable person with mental health challenges and should be bailed to live at home with his mother. However, the magistrate disagreed, stating that Dridan had repeatedly put the community at risk and had shown a flagrant disregard for the law.
The court proceedings revealed that Dridan had lost control of a high-powered Lamborghini in Sebastopol, crashing into a family home. In the aftermath of the fatal crash involving DeZoete, Dridan had been captured on camera expressing his inability to stop the car and avoid the tragedy. Despite the suspension of his license and involvement in a fatal accident, Dridan continued to engage in risky driving behavior, including speeding, running red lights, and testing positive for methamphetamine while driving a Lamborghini. The prosecution highlighted Dridan’s lack of respect for traffic rules and safety regulations, noting his repeated offenses and disregard for the law.
The court also considered Dridan’s tendency to access and drive various cars through his mechanic business, raising concerns about the continued risk he posed to the community. Dridan’s defense lawyer emphasized his mental health challenges and vulnerability as factors to be considered for bail, proposing that he be allowed to live at home with his mother. However, the magistrate pointed out that Dridan’s conduct following the fatal crash showed a lack of compliance with the law and a disregard for community safety. The magistrate denied bail, citing Dridan’s history of risky driving behavior, multiple offenses, and repeated violations of traffic regulations.
Overall, the court hearing shed light on the events leading to Trent DeZoete’s death at a burnout competition and the subsequent actions of the accused, Dridan. Despite the suspension of his license and involvement in a fatal crash, Dridan continued to engage in dangerous driving practices, culminating in another crash in which he lost control of a Lamborghini and crashed into a family home. The court proceedings highlighted Dridan’s disregard for traffic rules, repeated violations, and lack of respect for community safety, leading to the denial of bail. The magistrate emphasized the need to protect the public from further harm by preventing Dridan from accessing vehicles and driving while impaired by drugs.
