Man Admits to Hit-and-Run That Killed Doctor in Tarragindi

Thomas Hill, 37, has pleaded guilty to the hit-and-run that killed Doctor Peter Dunne, who was struck and killed by a vehicle in Tarragindi last February 2019.

According to prosecutors, the groaning noises neighbours initially thought were those of a distressed resident were actually from Dr. Dunne after Hill deliberately hit him with a car. The court heard that in the months leading up to the incident, Hill had become increasingly angry and confrontational, believing his neighbours were bullying and gossiping about him.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Kelso said that on the night of the incident, Hill and his mother were driving separately when they encountered Dr. Dunne on his regular morning run. Hill’s mother claimed Dr. Dunne had called out “idiot or something” and shone his torch into their car, which sparked Hill’s decision to confront the doctor.

Hill then made a U-turn, accelerated, reversed, and struck Dr. Dunne on the calf with the car before driving off. Medical evidence suggested Dr. Dunne fell and hit his head hard on the road, sustaining a catastrophic brain injury. He died six weeks later in the hospital.

**Strathfield Street where Dr. Dunne was found before taken to the hospital.**
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Defence barrister Gregory McGuire told the court that Hill had been mentally unwell for years, with his behaviour escalating before the incident. Neighbours had reportedly heard Hill yelling in the street that he was being stalked and lied about.

Dr. Dunne’s daughters described him as a “pillar of support” and said they felt robbed of future memories like walking down the aisle or their children meeting their grandfather. His sister Lisa McKay called the crime “an evil act” that was “preventable” and “senseless.”

Hill has been in custody since April 2019 and will be sentenced by Justice Michael Copley on August 27. The judge will take into account that Hill had intent to cause serious harm to Dr. Dunne but had a substantially impaired ability to control himself and know he ought not to have acted.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Published 19-August-2024