Sydney driver learns fate after girl, 5, killed in 2021 Plumpton crash

A motorist has been found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after crashing into a five-year-old girl who later died from her injuries.

Abel Elias Lopez, 63, hit little Alannah Sobolewski and her mother Taylor Maddock, 27, at a pedestrian crossing in Plumpton, western Sydney, in March 2021.

Alannah was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where she died, and Ms Maddock was severely injured and required surgery.

Lopez was on Monday found not guilty of dangerous driving resulting in death and grievous bodily harm following a trial at Parramatta District Court.

Lopez claimed that he had slowed down in his Toyota Tarago van before the pedestrian crossing, but the dim light, the clothing worn by the pedestrians, and the glare of incoming traffic had obstructed his view.

In court, jurors also learned that floodlights above the pedestrian crossing were not operational.

The prosecution unsuccessfully argued that Lopez had failed to maintain a proper lookout and had approached the pedestrian crossing at the 60km/h speed limit.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7zZqroqeelrlwutKwZJqbpGSwsMHRrapmpJGsfLTFw6ecsmWUp7a3sdFmo56ZoqPAbrLArZxmmZapsrN5xqKppWVlYriquMuem2ahnmKws63SoWannaeoerTAzquwaJ1imK6lgJdtZ3JuYGyFpa3FbpxtaJFmrnGBkJ6Ym5uR