In a Melbourne Magistrates Court, details emerged surrounding a devastating incident where sports journalist Sam Landsberger tragically lost his life after being struck by a truck. On August 20, 2024, the driver of the truck, James Latchford, pleaded guilty to refusing a blood test following the accident.
Landsberger, aged 35 and working for the Herald Sun, was reportedly walking through a Richmond intersection while on his phone when he was hit by Latchford’s truck, which was turning on a green arrow at the juncture of Bridge Road and Church Street. Witnesses included a doctor who attempted to alert Landsberger by shouting for him to stop. Despite Latchford’s efforts to assist him after the collision, Landsberger ultimately succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Following the accident, police conducted breath and oral fluid tests on Latchford, both of which returned negative results for alcohol and drugs. However, when approached for a blood test at Richmond police station, Latchford declined, stating, “I just don’t like needles, mate.” Defence lawyer Michael Pena-Rees described the incident as unusually tragic, with Latchford experiencing shock at the moment of being requested to provide a blood sample. He emphasised that the incident was extraordinarily rare and affected all parties involved.
At 46, Latchford has been a truck driver for 14 years, and his lawyer expressed concern that the mandatory two-year licence suspension he faces would significantly impact his livelihood. In court, he requested that Latchford be fined rather than placed under a community corrections order. However, police prosecutor Senior Constable Keryn Bell noted the seriousness of the matter, emphasising that a pedestrian had died as a result of the incident, marking it as a serious case of refusal.
Landsberger’s family observed the proceedings via video link as Magistrate Stephen Ballek delivered the sentence. Ballek acknowledged the tragic circumstances surrounding the case, explaining that the seriousness of the incident warranted a heavier penalty. He imposed a $1,500 fine with a conviction on Latchford, which was higher than typical due to the severity of the accident’s context. Additionally, he extended Latchford’s licence suspension by six months, making it 30 months in total because of a previous drink-driving infringement from 2014.
The court proceedings highlighted the complex nature of the incident, as Latchford’s refusal to provide a blood test occurred in the wake of a profound tragedy, resonating with both the judiciary and those who knew Landsberger.