Jake Barrett, the 27-year-old Karabar NSW man accused of causing a fatal three-vehicle collision on the Barton Highway on Wednesday 15 September, has pled not guilty in respect to all charges in the ACT Magistrates Court today, Friday 19 November.

The alleged truck driver is set to fight the three charges of culpable driving causing death, culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm, and driving with a prescribed drug.

A 45-year-old male died at the scene of the collision and a 42-year-old male was taken to Canberra Hospital with extensive and serious injuries.

Detective Inspector Donna Hofmeier, Officer in Charge of ACT Road Policing, said ACT Road Policing’s Major Collision Team conducted an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, which has led to Mr Barrett’s summons to appear in court.

Police will allege he was driving a tow truck carrying a 10-tonne excavator when he ran a red light at 80kmh, killing the 45-year-old man who was driving a Ford Falcon sedan and seriously injuring the 43-year-old man driving a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Mandatory blood testing was conducted and a positive detection of cannabis was found in the man’s bloodstream.

“This was a tragedy that was completely avoidable. One family has lost a loved one and another male has now had his whole life changed,” Detective Inspector Hofmeier said.

Mr Barrett could potentially face 14 to 16 years in prison.

The matter is listed for committal on 14 January 2022.  

Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.