A Melbourne man has escaped jail for dangerous driving that
killed millionaire pizza king Rocco "Rocky" Pantaleo.
Mr Pantaleo, the La Porchetta pizza restaurant chain founder,
was killed when his motor scooter was hit in suburban St
Kilda at the intersection of St Kilda Road, Fitzroy Street
and Punt Road in 2010.
Michael Luciano Polizzi, 35, of Pascoe Vale South, was handed
a wholly suspended 18-month jail term today.
He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.
Polizzi pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving
causing the death of the 53-year-old.
Victorian County Court Chief Judge Michael Rozenes said
Polizzi had a period of inattention lasting a few seconds
when he ran a red light at the intersection, which
authorities considered to be dangerous and confusing.
He said Polizzi was not speeding, driving recklessly,
distracted by a mobile phone or affected by alcohol or drugs.
The judge accepted he was genuinely remorseful.
"I'm sure you will carry the memory of it ... for a long
time," he told Polizzi.
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