Hamilton Island golf buggy tragedy: Husband of bride is a no show in court

Husband of bride killed in a honeymoon golf buggy crash is a no show in court after being charged over her death

  • Husband of a newlywed who was killed in golf buggy accident no show in court
  • Lawyer told magistrate that his client Robbie Awad faced ‘logistical issues’ that stopped him from appearing in person
  • The court then adjourned to allow Mr Awad to appear by phone
  • Mr Awad pleaded not guilty to causing a fatal crash that killed his new bride

Marina Hanna and Robbie Morgan AKA Robbie Awad are pictured together during their Hamilton Island honeymoon 

The husband of a young newlywed who was killed in an alleged golf buggy accident during their Hamilton Island honeymoon has pleaded not guilty after being charged over her death, but was a no show in court drawing the ire of the magistrate presiding over the case.

Marina Hanna, 29, married Robbie Awad, aka Robbie Morgan, in a large church ceremony in Sydney on June 11, before heading north to Queensland’s Whitsundays two days later.

The happy couple spent their luxury trip enjoying poolside cocktails, basking in sun chairs by the water, and a helicopter ride around the island.  

Mr Awad, 30, was driving the electric buggy with his new wife in the passenger seat, in June this year, when it rolled.

Hanna suffered critical injuries and died at the scene. 

After a police investigation, Mr Awad was charged with driving without due care and attention causing death, seatbelt offences and using a mobile phone.

Ms Hanna and Mr Awad flaunted their rings for a photo as they headed to their wedding reception on June 11

Ms Hanna and Mr Awad flaunted their rings for a photo as they headed to their wedding reception on June 11

Robbie Awad (front left, in a white shirt and glasses) is pictured standing at the gravesite as Ms Hanna's coffin was lowered into the ground

Robbie Awad (front left, in a white shirt and glasses) is pictured standing at the gravesite as Ms Hanna’s coffin was lowered into the ground

Mr Awad was not present in Proserpine court in the Whitsundays for the first mention of the matter, sparking an outburst from Magistrate James Morton, the ABC reports.

‘Where is your client? Why is he not appearing to put a not guilty plea on the record?’ he asked lawyer Sam Wildermuth.

Mr Wildermuth said there were ‘logistical issues’ for Mr Awad, who is based in Sydney.

The court then adjourned to allow Mr Awad to appear by phone. 

He formally entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of driving without due care and attention causing death. 

No pleas were entered for charges of failing to wear a seatbelt, ensuring his passenger was wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone, with those matters set to return to court in February.

Awad remains on bail. 

Marina Hanna, 29, tragically died on her honeymoon in Hamilton Island. The day before she died, she took this photo of her with her husband Robbie on a helicopter ride

Marina Hanna, 29, tragically died on her honeymoon in Hamilton Island. The day before she died, she took this photo of her with her husband Robbie on a helicopter ride

Mr Awad is pictured holding his bride up on the dance floor on their wedding day, June 11. He said this photo is his favourite of his wife 'by far'

Mr Awad is pictured holding his bride up on the dance floor on their wedding day, June 11. He said this photo is his favourite of his wife ‘by far’

Pictured: Robbie Awad hugs Marina Hanna's brother during her funeral in July

Ms Hanna was farewelled at a church funeral in July where she was remembered as a ‘caring, loyal, kind-hearted spirit’ and ‘unconditional love’ towards all who knew her (pictured, her husband embracing mourners at the cemetery)

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