Geoffrey Allen Walker: Cheynes bushfire roadblock crash accused claims no memory of events

A Great Southern man charged with crashing into a bushfire roadblock and seriously injuring two people claims he does not remember the crash as a result of his own injuries. Geoffrey Allen Walker appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Tuesday on charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm in a way that was dangerous to the public. The 64-year-old pleaded not guilty. Mr Walker’s lawyer Robert Jamieson appeared via audio link and requested disclosure and an adjournment, stating his client had “no recollection” of the incident because of his injuries. About 8pm on February 8, police say the 64-year-old crashed a Holden Commodore ute into two Department of Fire and Emergency Services light fire tankers and a traffic management controller. Mr Walker was heading west on South Coast Highway and the two light fire tankers were heading east at the time. Mr Walker, the traffic management controller, and one light fire tanker driver suffered serious injuries. The crash caused a huge fuel spill on the road and Mr Walker had to be freed from his vehicle by emergency services. The roadblock was in place at the time because of an out-of-control bushfire in Green Range and Mettler that burnt more than 7000ha. Police prosecutor Sgt Mike Russell said if the matters were to proceed to trial, a “number of witnesses” would be called. Mr Walker will next appear in Albany Magistrates Court for mention on January 28.