A family in Adelaide is grappling with immense grief following the tragic death of a scooter rider, Robert Pinto, who was killed after a motorist ran a red light. The incident occurred in February of last year when Benjamin Cooper collided with Pinto’s scooter at the intersection of James Congdon and Sir Donald Bradman Drive. The traffic light had been red for 35 seconds when Cooper, claiming he failed to see it, drove through the intersection.
Pinto, who had been in a long-term relationship with Andrea Farrell for 15 years, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to a traumatic brain injury just days later, while Farrell was by his side. This heartbreaking event came just months before Pinto was set to walk their daughter down the aisle in London, amplifying the family’s loss.
During a pre-sentence hearing, Farrell expressed her profound sorrow and anger towards Cooper, stating that his actions have left an unfillable void in her life. “I can’t forgive you, but I do feel sorry that you have to live with this for the rest of your life,” she told him.
Cooper, now aged 43, publicly apologised and acknowledged that not a single day passes without him thinking of the tragedy he caused, indicating the weight of his actions will burden him indefinitely. He has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving; however, his legal representative has requested the court to consider suspending any potential prison sentence at his upcoming hearing next month.
The emotional impact of this tragedy resonates deeply, as friends and family continue to mourn the loss of a loving partner and father.