Teenager charged over crash which injured scooter rider, refused bail

The 19-year-old was arrested in Gunnedah on Friday, March 22 and is facing 10 charges.

At about 9:30pm on Saturday, March 16, the keys to a Holden Colorado utility were stolen during an aggravated break and enter in Gunnedah.

Police say that vehicle was then driven to Tamworth, where at about 11.35pm, it was involved in a crash with the 30-year-old man, who had been riding his electric scooter on Jean Street.

The rider sustained serious head and leg injuries and was taken to Tamworth hospital before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

It's alleged later that night, the same vehicle was used in a bid to steal a KTM motorcycle from Country Auctions on the New England Highway, at Nemingha. The thieves were disturbed and as the vehicle drove off, and the motorcycle fell off the back of the utility.

A short time later, police attempted to stop the driver of the utility on the New England Highway near Tamworth.

When the driver failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit, but it was called off due to safety concerns.

Police also allege that around midnight, the driver of the utility drove past the Jean Street crime scene and around a police vehicle parked in the middle of Willis Street, before commencing to spin the vehicle's tyres and drift sideways, and then accelerating harshly through the crime scene.

A short time later, police were called to Cossa Street at Tamworth, where the Holden Utility had been set alight. The vehicle was completely destroyed by fire.

Following an investigation by detectives from Oxley Police District and the Crash Investigation Unit, a 19-year-old man was arrested in Gunnedah on Friday.

Malaki Sullivan fronted Tamworth Local Court on Saturday, March 23. No pleas were entered and bail was refused.

The teenager is charged with ten offences including; Break enter and steal - two counts; Steal motor vehicle; Learner unaccompanied by licensed driver; Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - drive manner dangerous; Negligent driving - occasions grievous bodily harm; Fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm; Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously; Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous; and Damage property by fire/explosive.

Sullivan is due to appear in Tamworth Local Court again on Monday, March 25, for mention.