Car hits crowd of supporters

A car driven by eighteen-year-old P-plater Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe struck Newcastle Knights supporters near a major roundabout on Saturday morning, injuring ten people.

Five-year-old in induced coma

A five-year-old girl was placed into an induced coma with critical injuries. Six people remain at John Hunter hospital, with five in stable condition as of Sunday four pm.

Driver charged with nine offences

Samarasinghe was charged with nine offences including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and causing bodily harm by misconduct. The most serious charge carries a maximum jail term of seven years.

Witness describes moment of impact

Chris Clancy, injured in the crash, said the car stopped at the roundabout then floored it on wet ground. He suffered small fractures in ribs and spine, a broken collarbone, and small fractures in his foot.

“The next thing, this car stops [at] the roundabout and then he just floored it on the wet ground, lost it.”

Grandfather injured protecting granddaughters

Dave Martin, a Wallsend grandfather known for his love of the Knights, was struck while trying to protect his two young granddaughters. He sustained multiple fractures in both legs and underwent lengthy surgery.

Driver refused bail, next court date set

Samarasinghe did not apply for release and was formally refused bail. A judge endorsed a warrant for a health assessment. He will next appear at Newcastle local court on fifteen October.