The Geelong Advertiser: Driver’s phone probed after cyclist dies in Breamlea crash
Tony Prytz
January 6th, 2010
THE mobile phone of the driver whose car struck Geelong sporting identity Rex Sizeland has been sent to Melbourne for forensic testing.
Mr Sizeland died the day after the collision, which occurred while he was cycling with two friends at Breamlea on December 21.
Leading Senior Constable Andrew Gough of Torquay Traffic Management Unit said the phone would be examined to see if it was relevant to the investigation.
He said testing mobile phones was standard procedure.
Mr Sizeland’s death shocked the Geelong community where he was well known for his sporting and work involvements over many years. No charges have been laid in relation to the incident.
Sen-Constable Gough said he was still taking statements and could not say when his report would be ready.
He said it was a busy time for the Melbourne crime squad that would test the phone and it was also very busy for Torquay police.
“Unfortunately this has happened at a time when we are at our busiest,” he said.
More than 1000 people attended the funeral service for Mr Sizeland who was described as a king, and a lover of many sports including running and cycling.
His death has brought to the fore the issue of cyclist safety.
Mr Sizeland was honoured during Sunday’s Amy’s Ride in Geelong, an annual event that seeks to highlight cyclist safety.
Barwon Heads’ cyclist and reigning world road cycling champion Cadel Evans, a regular user of the road where Mr Sizeland was struck, has backed calls for greater awareness from both riders and drivers.
