David Da Costa: Lea-Anne Barbara Johnson faces court over roadside death of man in Belmont on February 8

A woman charged in connection to the death of a man who was found critically injured on a major Perth road earlier this year has made her first appearance in court. David Da Costa, 57, was found with serious head injuries on Abernethy Road in Cloverdale in the early hours of February 8. He was rushed by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital, but he died from his injuries several days later. In a statement released shortly after Mr Da Costa died, police said there was nothing at that time to suggest there was any criminality involved in his death. But an ongoing police investigation into Mr Da Costa’s death by the homicide squad has since resulted in serious charges for 50-year-old Forrestfield woman Lea-Anne Barbara Johnson. Police will allege the 50-year-old was the driver of a Suzuki hatchback that Mr Da Costa was travelling in on the morning he died. Police are set to allege in court Mr Da Costa “exited” the vehicle as it was being driven by Ms Johnson and that she drove away from the scene before emergency crews arrived. “It will be alleged about 4.30am on Thursday 8 February 2024, a 50-year-old woman was driving a Suzuki hatchback on Alexander Road in Cloverdale,” a police spokesman previously told The West. “When she turned left onto Abernethy Road, a 57-year-old male passenger opened the door and exited the vehicle. “The woman then drove away from the scene before the arrival of emergency services.” Detectives have charged Ms Johnson with driver failed to report an incident occasioning death or grievous bodily harm, and driver failed to stop and give name and address after an incident occasioning death. In the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday Ms Johnson appeared briefly on those two charges. Ms Johnson indicated she understood the charges when they were formally read to her by the magistrate. She was not required to plead and the charges were adjourned to June 18. Ms Johnson and her lawyer declined to comment to The West Australian as they left court. A family representative of Mr Da Costa’s previously told The West the 57-year-old was a much-loved family member to many. “We want everyone to know how loved he was,” the family spokesperson said. “He was a much-loved father, grandfather, son and brother. “His family is absolutely distraught by what has happened.” Mr Da Costa — who was a father of two — was laid to rest in his native UK earlier this month.