William Swale, a 66 year old Mount Macedon man has been charged with culpable driving and other offences in relation to the crash that killed five people near the Royal Hotel last month.
Mr Swale has insulin dependent (type one) diabetes. Police allege Mr Swale ignored glucose monitor warnings for his diabetes leading up to the crash.
He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court where Dective Sergeant Peter Romanis said Mr Swale’s ignored a blood glucose monitor showing a low reading 40 minutes before the crash and drove his car soon after.
Low glucose (blood sugar) levels can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, shaking and confusion.
It is alleged Mr Swale lost control of his car as it travelled down Albert Street, mounted the curb in front of the Royal Hotel and crashed into people on the tables and lawn.
He has been charged with two counts of negligently causing serious injury, seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life and five counts of culpable driving causing death.
Martin Amad, Mr Swale’s lawyer indicated that his client would plead not guilty. He said a medical episode had occurred and that it would not be possible to prove Mr Swale knew his blood glucose was low.
Mt Swale was remanded in custody.
