Driver accused of killing Kiwi lawyer in Sydney dies

The family of a lawyer fatally struck by a vehicle in Sydney will not see the case proceed to trial after the accused driver died earlier this month.

Driver’s Death Ends Legal Pursuit

Zisi Kokotatsios, 65, was accused of illegally using his phone while driving at approximately 4 a.m. on March 17, 2024, when he allegedly struck 28-year-old Mitch East in Tamarama.

Kokotatsios was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death, as well as two backup charges of negligent driving occasioning death and illegally using a mobile phone while driving. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Downing Centre District Court was informed on Friday that Kokotatsios had died on November 11, with a funeral held at Rookwood Cemetery later that month. As a result, all criminal charges against him have been withdrawn and the case dismissed.

The criminal matter had experienced numerous delays following Kokotatsios’s arrest in March 2024. He entered a not-guilty plea approximately 16 months later at the Downing Centre Local Court.

A trial had been scheduled for August but was postponed, with no new date set.

Victim’s Background

Mitch East graduated from Harvard Law School in 2022 and worked at Sydney law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler, having begun his legal career in New Zealand.

Following his death, an email was sent to staff at Arnold Bloch Leibler describing East as a highly talented lawyer and a valued member of the firm.