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Sameri jailed for crash that killed Colin Waters

A driver who fell asleep while driving moments before striking and killing bike rider Colin Waters in Taylors Lakes was today ordered to serve ten months' jail in youth facility. 

Mehdi Sameri, 20, was picking up his boss on July 24 when he fell asleep, running a red light and crashing into 49-year-old Colin Waters at about 6:30am. 

The court heard at a pre-sentence hearing on November 6, that the apprentice plumber had slept for 5.5 hours the evening before the crash.

He initially fled the scene but later turned himself into police.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at the scene. 

Mr Sameri had no criminal history.

According to ABC News reports, Judge Paul Lacava said that Sameri was "riddled with grief and remorse" but had excellent prospects for rehabilitation. 

Mr Waters family were in the court for the sentencing.

While we know that nothing can bring Mr Waters back, this is the third sentence of drivers who have crashed into and killed a bike rider in a matter of months that have left bike riders feeling at a loss. 

 
6 Nov: Pre-sentence hearing for Mehdi Sameri

At the pre-sentence hearing in Victoria’s County Court, Mehdi Sameri, 20, plead guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 49-year-old Colin Waters who was riding his bike in Taylors Lakes.

He also plead guilty to failing to stop at the scene.

The court heard that Mr Sameri, an apprentice plumber had only slept for 5.5 hours the evening before the crash.

Sameri told police he fell asleep, before running a red light and crashing into Mr Waters.

Mr Sameri had no criminal history.

His Honour, Judge Paul Lacava adjourned the hearing until December 7 for Mr Sameri to undergo a youth justice assessment and psychological evaluation.