John Tsalapatis is standing trial in SA’s District Court this week for the alleged killing of Bernice Sternberg on March 28,2021 through his dangerous driving.
The Greek-Australian has pleaded not guilty to causing death and harm by dangerous driving with the case now being discussed in court.
The incident in question took place on Main Rd in McLaren Vale, the same area in which Ms Sternberg taught at the primary school, wherein the court heard Mr Tsalapatis “T-boned” Mrs Sternberg’s car in what proved to be a fatal accident.
According to Adelaide Now, the incident took place at 5.30 p.m. and saw Mr Tsalapatis hit the passenger side of Mrs Sternberg’s Nissan Pulsar where the schoolteacher was sitting as her husband of 36 years was driving her home.
Prosecutor Jim Pearce KC remarked in his opening statement that the Greek-Australian was driving a black Subaru west at the crossroads of Main Rd and McMurtrie Rd and allegedly failed to yield while driving at roughly 80km/h.
“In the few seconds or so before the impact his car slowed … but it barely slowed at all, it didn’t slow in any meaningful matter,” Pearce said in court.
Mrs Sternberg was taken away from the wreckage and sent to Flinders Medical Centre for emergency treatment, but her extensive injuries proved too damaging as she died five days later; her husband suffered only minor injuries.
Mr Tsalapatis’ lawyer, Jane Abbey KC, said it was undeniable that Tsalapatis required to yield at the crossroads, but argued that the point of debate lied in whether her client’s driving was criminally hazardous.
Mr Sternberg stated that the incident was an “instant blur” with him having no time to brake.
“I couldn’t even say to Bernice ‘look out,’ it was just impact,” Mr Sternberg said, while weeping.
“When I woke up [from] the impact my eyes were still shut and I said ‘honey are you OK?”
Further details are set to come forward as the trial continues.
