A long-running dispute over a car crash involving former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, his wife Catherine, a cyclist, and a leading law firm is finally going to trial after a failed mediation attempt.
The Crash That Sparked the Dispute
It all started in January 2013 when Ryan Meuleman, then 15, was struck by the Andrews’ family SUV in Blairgowrie. Ryan’s father, Peter Meuleman, has been fighting for the truth ever since.
Slater & Gordon’s Involvement Raises Questions
But what’s more surprising is that major law firm Slater & Gordon got involved in the case, with Ryan’s father claiming they never explained how they ended up acting for his son. “Why did a Labor-aligned law firm suddenly turn up out of nowhere and want to act for my son?” Peter Meuleman asks.
Allegations of Cover-Up and Conflict of Interest
Ryan’s father accuses Slater & Gordon of doing everything they could to keep the crash and subsequent TAC settlement out of the media. “Were they worried about Ryan or were they worried about Daniel Andrews?” he asks. He also claims that the law firm worked behind the family’s back to keep the settlement secret due to its “sensitive nature”.
Evidence to Be Revealed in Court
The Supreme Court trial, scheduled for May next year, is expected to reveal evidence that Slater & Gordon failed to conduct a proper investigation into the circumstances of the collision and breached its duty of care to Ryan. The law firm denies any wrongdoing.
The Crash: What Really Happened?
The Andrews maintain that their car was “T-boned” by the bike, while Ryan insists that the car was speeding and seemed to come out of nowhere when he was struck. Police photographs show extensive damage to the front of the Andrews’ car and its windscreen. An Ambulance Victoria report suggests that the SUV struck Ryan while traveling at 40 to 60km/h.
Bombshell Review Raises Questions About Police Investigation
A review of the crash conducted by the state’s former Assistant Commissioner for Traffic and Operations, Dr. Raymond Shuey, found that the police investigation was “deeply flawed” and “contrary to the available evidence”. Dr. Shuey’s report concludes that the Andrews’ version of events is “improbable and implausible” and suggests that the car may have undertaken a sweep turn at speed, cutting the corner and striking Ryan.
The Andrews Slam Review as “Appalling Conspiracy Theories”
The Andrews have dismissed Dr. Shuey’s review, saying they won’t dignify “these appalling conspiracy theories”. But with the trial looming, the truth about the crash and the involvement of Slater & Gordon may finally come to light.