Manslaughter crash charges Motorist facing trial over fatal collision

The Honda Civic

A Norwood man has been charged with the manslaughter of a 23-year-old Launceston footballer who was killed in a car crash.

Aaron Richard Bird, 28, of Hawthorn St, was charged with the manslaughter of Lucas Thomas Fitzgerald Butzin.

Mr Butzin, a father and talented footballer for Old Scotch, was killed in a car crash near the Breadalbane roundabout on July 8.

Mr Bird was driving a white 1993 Toyota Hilux four-wheel drive with an attached twin- axle trailer on the Midland Highway.

Police allege that Mr Bird had a blood-alcohol level above the 0.05 legal limit, and had fallen asleep on the drive from St Helens.

The Hilux crossed to the wrong side of the road about 5am and lost control, causing the trailer to jack-knife.

Mr Butzin was killed instantly when his Honda Civic and the Hilux hit head-on.

The Hilux went over the top of the Civic and ended up on its roof across the highway.

Mr Bird appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court yesterday before Chief Magistrate Arnold Shott.

He was not required to enter a plea and police did not oppose bail.

Mr Bird will reappear on October 2.

Launceston Examiner
By MARK BAKER , Published Thursday, 7 September 2006

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