John William Macey: Geraldton man fined $6000 after causing death of motorcyclist in Gingin collision

A Geraldton man who caused the death of a motorcyclist who he failed to see as he made a turn on a country road has avoided jail, after a magistrate acknowledged his remorse and psychological vulnerability. John William Macey, 77, caused the death of a motorcyclist who was driving in the opposing way on Military Road, in Yeal in the Shire of Gingin on July 8, 2022. Macey made a right turn, cutting in front of the victim who collided with him and died at the scene. He appeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, having pleaded guilty at an early stage. Macey’s lawyer, George Giudice, said Macey had not seen the victim before making the turn. “The carelessness here was not having one last look,” he said. A psychologist’s report stated Macey felt an “overwhelming sense of guilt” and Mr Giudice said Macey had made offered to take part in mediation with the victim’s family. Mr Giudice also said Macey has suffered from PTSD and anxiety since the incident and the psychologist’s report had recommended not sending him to prison due to his mental health issues. “He is already in his own prison,” the psychologist wrote. Magistrate Angus Hockton said Macey showed he understood the impact the death he caused had on the victim’s family, and also acknowledged he had no criminal history. “You are clearly remorseful for what occurred on that day,” he said. Macey was fined $6000 and had his licence disqualified for 12 months.