PHOTO: Zisi Kokotatsios
The Uber driver accused of being involved in a late-night hit-and-run incident resulting in the death of a young lawyer has withdrawn from society, as his own family has distanced themselves from him.
Zisi Kokotatsios, a 63-year-old former real estate agent, was granted bail on Saturday following charges related to the death of Mitch East, a 28-year-old lawyer educated at Harvard. East was discovered deceased on Fletcher Street in the affluent coastal area of Tamarama in the early hours of Sunday, March 17.
Uber driver Zisi Kokotatsios (pictured) has been granted bail after being charged over a hit-and-run death
A neighbour was seen delivering groceries in a trolley to Mr Kokotatsios (above, with the cart) at home in Sydney’s south-west on Tuesday
Police assert that Kokotatsios was unlawfully using his phone while driving to pick up a rideshare passenger. Following a night in custody, he returned to his home in Bankstown, where he now depends on the goodwill of neighbors.
Real estate agent has been charged over an alleged hit-and-run of kiwi lawyer
Seen pushing a cart of groceries delivered by a sympathetic neighbor, Kokotatsios remains isolated, with even his own family members, including his children, reportedly cutting off communication since his arrest.
Revealing a longstanding family estrangement, Kokotatsios’ sister-in-law Kathy disclosed that they hadn’t interacted with him for a considerable time, emphasizing the severity of the disconnect. Kokotatsios surrendered himself to Granville Police Station five days post the hit-and-run incident.
During a bail hearing at Parramatta Bail Court, prosecutors presented CCTV footage allegedly capturing Kokotatsios hitting East and his vehicle lifting upon impact. The court was informed of an audible crash captured on CCTV, indicating the severity of the collision.
Despite efforts by paramedics, East was pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors allege Kokotatsios, distracted by his phone, failed to notice East on the road and didn’t stop to provide assistance after the collision.
Lawyer Mitch East is pictured with his partner Natasha Dunsbee-Brown. Mr East tragically died in Tamarama, in Sydney’s east on Sunday, March 17
Officers are pictured processing the crime scene in Tamarama on Sunday after the alleged hit-and-run
The court was told that CCTV from a neighbour showed the car ‘lifted up’ when it ran over Mr East
Facing charges including failure to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death, dangerous driving causing death, negligent driving causing death, and unauthorized mobile phone use while driving, Kokotatsios was granted bail under strict conditions.
His lawyer argued the prosecution lacks substantial evidence, disputing claims of a compelling case against his client. The defense questioned whether Kokotatsios’ actions directly caused East’s death, emphasizing uncertainties in the prosecution’s case.
Kokotatsios is scheduled to appear in court again in May.
Zisi Kokotatsios (pictured) was a real estate agent and longtime Qantas engineer
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL