A Melbourne truck driver who refused a police-mandated blood test following a fatal crash has had his license suspended for 30 months.

While he was not deemed responsible for the accident that claimed the life of sports journalist Sam Landsberger, his refusal to comply with testing led to a conviction and financial penalty.

The incident unfolded last August at the intersection of Church Street and Bridge Road in Richmond. Landsberger, a 35-year-old award-winning journalist with the Herald Sun, was struck by the turning truck and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The driver, James Latchford, remained at the scene as emergency responders arrived.

Fear of Needles Cited in Refusal

Latchford, a veteran truck driver of 14 years, passed both alcohol and roadside drug breath tests. However, he declined a subsequent blood test, citing a fear of needles.

The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard that blood tests provide a longer detection window for illicit substances compared to breath analysis.

His defense attorney, Michael Pena-Rees, argued that Latchford was in a state of shock at the time and unaware of Landsberger’s passing when he refused the test, telling police, “I don’t like needles, mate.”

Magistrate Stephen Ballek acknowledged the driver’s distress but ruled the refusal as a serious offense, imposing a suspension beyond the two-year minimum. “You knew at the time an accident had occurred that caused at least serious injury to a pedestrian,” Ballek stated in court.

Legal and Professional Fallout

Latchford pleaded guilty to the charge and received a recorded conviction along with a $1,500 fine. His legal team indicated that the suspension would likely cost him his job.

The hearing, attended virtually by Landsberger’s family, underscored the gravity of the loss. Pena-Rees noted that his client was deeply affected by the tragedy, saying, “He’s very saddened and shocked by the incident, that Sam has passed away … because it affects everybody.”

Ballek clarified that the court proceedings were strictly focused on Latchford’s refusal to comply with testing, not as punishment for the accident itself. “This court hearing and this sentence in no way can address the loss that is being felt by the family,” he concluded.

Landsberger’s passing leaves a lasting void in the Australian journalism community, where he was remembered as a dedicated and talented professional with a promising future.

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