Edna Galas Flores Norton charged with dangerous driving over crash that killed Albany mother Nicole Weeden

Police have charged a woman in relation to the crash that killed much-loved Albany mother of four Nicole Weeden on Albany Highway last year. Edna Galas Flores Norton, 68, is facing charges of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm. Ms Weeden was travelling south from Mt Barker to Albany with her youngest daughter Shanaya on August 6 last year when their Isuzu MU-X and a Toyota Prado heading north were involved in a head-on collision. A tireless volunteer for the local netball and basketball associations, Ms Weeden, 47, died from her injuries at the scene. Her teenage daughter suffered a broken arm while the female driver of the Prado sustained serious injuries in the crash in Green Valley, 15km north of Albany. The major crash unit investigated the incident before charging Ms Norton with one count of dangerous driving in circumstances that subsequently resulted in a death and one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm in a manner that was dangerous to the public. Ms Norton was due to make her first appearance on the matter in Albany Magistrates Court on Tuesday but did not appear herself, with only her defence lawyer Haydon Bawden in the court. Mr Bawden told the court that his client was unable to attend court because she has mobility issues and is still recovering from injuries sustained in the crash. Magistrate Dianne Scadden stressed that Ms Norton needed to attend court given the seriousness of the charges and said she should issue an arrest warrant. Ms Scadden said a doctor’s letter from the accused was insufficient and stated that accommodations can be made for Ms Norton to attend. She went on to say that the matter is likely to be referred to the District Court. Mr Bawden asked for the matter to be adjourned because his client was unable to attend. Ms Scadden granted an adjournment until April 11 but warned that if Ms Norton does not attend in person a warrant for her arrest will be issued. Ms Weeden’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes in Albany. She was described as a dedicated sports volunteer, passionate educator and devoted mother and more than 500 people attended a public funeral service for her at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on August 26.