Jakob James Lentsch Strohmeier: $4000 fine for Beaufort River crash that left two seriously injured in April

A Perth man has been fined for causing a crash in Beaufort River in April that saw two motorcycle riders flown to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries. Jakob James Lentsch Strohmeier, 20, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Tuesday facing two charges of careless driving causing death, grievous bodily harm or bodily harm. He previously pleaded guilty on September 26 after the two charges were downgraded from dangerous driving causing death, grievous bodily harm or bodily harm. Police prosecutor Sgt Matt Hartfield told the court on April 28 Strohmeier was travelling west on Robinson Road to Albany Highway, about 35km north of Kojonup. Strohmeier was driving a Mitsubishi Triton when he failed to notice three signs advising of an impending T-junction. He drove through the intersection to the southbound lane of Albany Highway, colliding with two motorcycle riders who hit the driver’s side and were ejected over the top of the vehicle, landing on the road. Both motorcycle drivers, a married couple in their 50s, were flown to Royal Perth Hospital from the scene of the crash. The 51-year-old woman sustained lacerations and fractures to her pelvis and wrists, while the 56-year-old man suffered serious pelvic fractures. Strohmeier was taken to Kojonup Hospital but did not sustain any injuries. He later declined to participate in a recorded police interview but identified himself as the driver of the Mitsubishi Triton. His defence lawyer, Tom Percy KC, said it was the first time Strohmeier had driven on that road and he was unfamiliar with the area. Mr Percy said Strohmeier was driving at about the speed limit when he was distracted by something on the road. Strohmeier failed to notice three signs advising of the impending T-junction, placed at 400m, 230m and 150m before the intersection. Mr Percy said that Strohmeier was not negligent in his driving and that it was “devoid” of aggravating factors such as drugs, alcohol, fatigue or distraction from a mobile phone. “It’s not as if he had driven without a care,” he said. “He had attempted to brake but couldn’t prevent at the same time, fortuitously, entering the southbound lane at the same time as the victims.” Mr Percy said Strohmeier accepted full responsibility and took the blame, noting there is potentially a claim against him as a result of the incident. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan said the area was a rural area known for its high speeds and the road was in a 110km/h zone. “It’s not a built-up area or a town area, it’s a rural area,” she said. “Even if you were unfamiliar with the road, which your lawyer tells me you were, it is incumbent on you to pay attention to any advisory signs.” “Too late you’ve realised you would effectively infringe upon that road and the stopping distance that it required for you to properly stop had well and truly been lost.” Ms Scaddan said the victims’ injuries, while they did not result in permanent disability, required rehabilitation and disrupted their enjoyment of life. “That is time they do not get back,” Ms Scaddan said. “Even if they have made full recoveries, it can be inferred they were in shock. “It is really good luck they did not suffer more serious injuries, and you went unharmed. “There were three opportunities for you to pay attention ... the signs are there for a reason, not for show.” Strohmeier was fined $4000 and given a five-month licence disqualification. His application for a spent conviction was denied.