A County Court of Victoria judge has issued an arrest warrant for Mingen He, who failed to attend court for sentencing after pleading guilty to causing the death of beloved paramedic and mother-of-three, Pauline Smith, in a crash.
Pauline Smith, aged 53, was tragically killed on May 20, 2022, when a two-car collision occurred on the Western Highway near Stawell, western Victoria. She had just completed her shift as a paramedic when the incident took place.
Mingen He, the driver responsible for the crash, was scheduled for sentencing today after pleading guilty in September to one charge of dangerous driving causing death. He had been out on bail, which required him to report to the police station three times a week — a condition that he had reportedly violated.
Judge Kellie Blair explained that Mingen He was last seen on November 23, and was reported missing by his partner on the following Monday. The judge mentioned that although it seemed unlikely He had fled the country, since his passport was seized upon his charge, she believed he was no longer in Victoria.
Judge Blair expressed her apologies to Ms. Smith’s family and friends, acknowledging the distress caused by his absence. “I’m sorry you have traveled, and I’m sorry you’ve been put out,” she told the court. “There’s nothing I can say, it’s just devastating.”
Ms. Smith, who had previously served as a Victoria Police officer for 10 years before becoming a paramedic, was deeply mourned by her colleagues. Her friend, Sharlene Hellewell, described her as a “prankster” who was always full of joy. Ambulance Victoria expressed profound sadness at her death, praising her as “a much-loved and respected member of the Grampians community.”
Pauline Smith leaves behind her husband, Stephen, and their three children.
