Lawyer Blames Victim in Shocking Appeal Bid
Former Adelaide lawyer Lauren Willgoose has launched a desperate appeal to overturn her eight-year prison sentence for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of respected neuropsychologist Anthony Walsh.
The 33-year-old disgraced legal professional was convicted in December 2024 of dangerous driving causing death and fleeing the scene after the tragic incident in Goodwood during June 2021.
Willgoose received her nearly decade-long sentence in March this year, but is now arguing in the Court of Appeal that the 70-year-old victim should bear responsibility for his own death.
The Night That Ended in Tragedy
Court proceedings revealed Willgoose had consumed more than a litre of wine - equivalent to approximately five glasses - at the Goodwood Hotel before getting behind the wheel.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting her blood alcohol level could have been as high as 0.23, or as low as 0.08 - still significantly above the legal 0.05 limit for Australian drivers.
An accurate reading became impossible because Willgoose continued drinking when she returned to her Cumberland Park home, located just minutes from the crash scene.
Meanwhile, Dr Walsh had just finished dinner with his wife Christine and friends when he attempted to cross the road. The impact caused catastrophic head injuries that ultimately proved fatal more than a week later on July 9.
Contested Details and Legal Arguments
During her original trial, Willgoose described the impact as sounding like "a car mirror hitting another car mirror" and maintained she didn't see Dr Walsh and was unaware she had struck a person.
However, Judge Nick Alexandrides dismissed this defence as "implausible," stating she must have known she hit him. Prosecutors reinforced this position, arguing Willgoose had at least six seconds to spot Dr Walsh and take evasive action but did nothing.
Damning evidence emerged that Willgoose contacted a law firm after hitting Dr Walsh, indicating she knew she had struck someone before eventually surrendering to police.
Her legal team now contends the eight-year sentence is excessive and warns the conviction may end her law career permanently. The appeal continues as the courts weigh these arguments against the gravity of the offence that claimed an esteemed medical professional's life.
