P-Plate Driver Granted Bail After Allegedly Crashing into Fans
An 18-year-old driver, who allegedly crashed into fans supporting the Newcastle Knights, has been released from jail under strict conditions.
A teenage P-plate driver accused of crashing into fans celebrating the Newcastle Knights' grand final appearance has been granted bail after six days in custody. Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, 18, was allegedly driving a gold 2006 BMW cabriolet when he lost control on October 3 in Newcastle, north of Sydney.
The incident left 10 people injured, including a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man who were critically injured. Their conditions have since stabilized, and six of the ten injured have been released from the hospital, while four remain hospitalized.
Samarasinghe was arrested at the scene and taken for mandatory testing. He faces charges including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and causing bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle.
He appeared via video link from Silverwater jail for a bail hearing at Newcastle Local Court on Friday and was released into the care of his mother in Sydney. His bail comes with strict conditions, and the judge warned him against fleeing the country.