Ballarat Man Found Not Guilty Over Fatal Crash at Burnout Event

A 29-year-old Ballarat man has been found not guilty of culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death in relation to a fatal crash at a burnout event in western Victoria in 2023.

Bryce Driden, of Wendouree, was competing in the LOO5ENATS event in Stawell when Trent DeZoete, 18, of Pimpinio, was struck by Mr Driden's vehicle after it experienced a "spontaneous mechanical issue".

The County Court jury delivered its verdict this afternoon, finding Mr Driden not guilty on both counts.

Trent DeZoete was a spectator at the Stawell Motor Sports Club on November 4, 2023, when he was hit and killed while walking from the grandstand to the food truck area with his friend just after 4pm.

The prosecution alleged that Mr Driden drove out of the arena and into the public area where spectators were present, despite available precautions and safe confines in the arena.

They also alleged that Mr Driden had methamphetamine in his system, which made him "overconfident" and compromised his decision-making.

The defence team told the court that "sometimes tragic accidents occur, sometimes they're no-one's fault".

"The issue in this trial is whether it was grossly negligent … the law doesn't expect someone to drive perfectly … drivers make split-second decisions," the defence team said.

"We're human beings; we're not perfect … terrible accidents happen."