The Northern Territory news Thu 10 Apr 2014
NT news
The Northern Territory news; NewspaperNT
2014-04-10
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English
Community newspapers -- Northern Territory -- Darwin; Australian newspapers -- Northern Territory -- Darwin
News Corp Australia
Darwin
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News Corp Australia
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00042
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/250526
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/555837
THURSDAY APRIL 10 2014 NEWS 11 V1 - NTNE01Z01MA Dont let another family be torn apart Rachael Timsons fiance Ben Wilton was killed when medically impaired driver Robert Spencer crashed into his car on May 8, 2012 Picture: DANIEL HARTLEY-ALLEN BEN Wilton was a cheeky son and the peacekeeper in his family. The father-of-two was killed in a car crash because a medically unfit driver slipped through the cracks. His mum Sandra Marotzek, 50, said: It has devastated our family none of us are the same and weve all had a go at blaming ourselves. For the first six months I cried every time I got in the car and I stare into my rear-vision mirror at traffic lights. Robert Frank Spencer didnt even brake before he smashed into the back of the car her son was driving. Its believed he was struck with an epileptic blackout, not for the first time, behind the wheel. Ben was trapped in the car, despite the heroic efforts of men who tried to save him, as it burst into flames. He would have turned 31 on Monday. Ms Marotzek yesterday told the NT News she hoped the Northern Territory Government would support a renewed push to trial a case review panel to investigate licensing impaired drivers, in response to her familys tragic loss. The Coroner recommended a similar panel in 2010 and nothing happened and records that authorities tried to form a panel in 2007 have vanished. The people involved now might be passionate but what happens when they move on? Ms Marotzek said. I dont want it to be forgotten. Bens fiancee Rachael Timson, 21, said NT Motor Vehicle Registrar Paul Rajans frank admission that Mr Spencer shouldnt have held a licence troubled her. He hadnt known the man had caused three other crashes. Ms Timson told media she was confident in Mr Rajans work to prevent another tragedy after a coronial inquest ended yesterday. Counsel assisting the coroner Mark Thomas said a chilling report from Dr Michael Lowe revealed it was almost inevitable that Mr Spencer now aged 69 and suffering dementia would cause a fatal crash. Authorities discovered he had a rare form of epilepsy when he was tested after Mr Wiltons death on May 8, 2012. Mr Spencer told his doctor Gerry Goodhand he had lost concentration in one crash that saw his licence revoked in November, 2011, and it was reinstated at the GPs recommendation in January 2012. A review panel would have been an ideal mechanism to deal with this case, Dr Goodhand told the inquest. By ELLIE TURNER GP asks for ability to share data on drivers THE doctor who said a man was fit to drive four months before he killed Ben Wilton has told an inquest that cops, doctors and government agencies should trade information to identify dangerous drivers. The move would require a change in NT privacy and confidentiality laws. But doctor Gerry Good hand said a free flow of driving history and medical records when a patient was being assessed for a licence would help protect Territory drivers from tragedy. The problem is that the patient, doctor and MVR each have information the others dont have, Dr Goodhand said. I would support the exchange of information at the expense of privacy and confidentiality if it could help determine those who need a more specialised assessment, he said. Robert Spencer was acquitted of Mr Wiltons death on grounds of mental impairment when he faced the NT Supreme Court in February. Medical professionals suspect he is unable to recognise when something is wrong, a condition found in stroke victims. Dr Goodhand said he had no problem telling patients they were not fit to hold a licence when necessary. Hard decisions have to be made, he said. I would support the exchange of information at the expense of privacy * Flights and fares are subject to availability. Booking period 07 April 13 April 2014, or until sold out. Travel period 07 April 30 September 2014. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares are for one way travel, hand luggage only and fully inclusive of all taxes and charges. Fees apply for checked baggage. Premium fares come with complimentary services as advertised on airasia.com. Lowest possible sale fares are only available online at airasia.com using Pay Pal. Processing fees are applicable for online bookings made by credit, debit or charge card. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise. See airasia.com for full details and Conditions of Carriage. AIRI0200 Grab a Hot Fare to Bali $129 Fly Darwin Bali from Book now at airasia.com