A 21-year-old Gold Coast man has faced court over his alleged involvement in a fatal street race, with charges against him upgraded to more serious offences.
Alexander James Vadeikis, from Benowa, appeared at Southport Magistrates Court last Thursday for a brief mention after prosecutors laid two new charges.
He is now accused of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while taking part in an unlawful race — an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment — and operating a vehicle dangerously in a public place while excessively speeding or racing.
Police allege Vadeikis was racing 22-year-old David Saji Mathew through Southport on the night of March 22, 2023, when Mathew allegedly struck and killed pedestrian Daimler Kyle Bermudo, also 21, as he crossed Smith Street near Village Boulevard.
No pleas have been entered.
Vadeikis’ lawyer, Alex Somers, told the court he had received only a partial brief of evidence and requested the matter be adjourned. The case is due to return to court on July 24.
The court heard that the more serious charge of dangerous operation causing death must be dealt with in the Southport District Court.
Vadeikis was previously facing a lesser charge of dangerous operation of a vehicle, to which he was expected to plead guilty earlier this month. However, prosecutors withdrew that charge to proceed with the more serious allegations.
Co-accused Mathew has already had his case committed to the District Court, although a formal indictment has not yet been filed. He has also not entered a plea.
