Rhyse Robert Hawkins, 36, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to four charges, including unlawful killing, after crashing a Ford Falcon into a rental home in Rivervale, Perth, while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Victim Was on Holiday from Nepal
Bishnu Kumari Gurung, 53, had arrived in Western Australia just days before the February incident. She was sleeping inside the Alexander Road property when Hawkins lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the house, killing her instantly.
Hawkins was arrested at the scene and appeared via video link from Casuarina Prison in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court. He pleaded guilty to unlawful killing, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, and reckless driving.
Court Appearance and Sentencing
The court heard that Hawkins had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit and tested positive for methylamphetamine. He will be sentenced in September. Magistrate Robert Young adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports.
Outside court, family members of the victim expressed their grief, with one relative stating, "She came here for a holiday and never got to go home." The Nepalese community in Perth has also expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.
Police previously stated that the crash was "completely avoidable" and highlighted the dangers of driving under the influence. The case has reignited calls for stricter penalties for drink and drug driving offences in Western Australia.
