Police have charged a taxi driver in relation to the death of a father-of-three in an alleged hit and run late last month in Wagga.
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Just hours after leaving his daughter's engagement party on October 26, Mal Hackett, 51, was discovered by a passing motorist on the side of Red Hill Road at Glenfield Park.
The Riverina Police District and the Crash Investigations unit in Sydney worked together and on Monday charged a 57-year-old man with failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.
Inspector Adrian Telfer said the Wagga man was working for a taxi company at the time, and there were passengers in the car.
He added that at this stage there were no suspicions the driver had been negligent or impacted by drugs or alcohol.
Inspector Telfer said the day after Mr Hackett died, the taxi driver spoke to police at the station.
"We had to make sure that the story that was provided to us was accurate," he said.
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"We will be alleging the 57-year-old driver collided with a male, who is now deceased, and failed to render assistance.
"I can't go into what his reason was [for allegedly failing to stop], that is something that will play out in court.
"At this stage, we believe it was an accident. We will allege that in the circumstances leading up to this collision, the manner of driving was not dangerous."
Police believe the victim was walking on the road at the time of the collision.
Inspector Telfer said it was unlikely the passengers will be facing any charges. He added the taxi driver has retained his driver's licence at this stage.
The 57-year-old taxi driver will face court on December 18.
Inspector Telfer said it has been a tough time for the family.
"Something that is always at the forefront of our minds is keeping the families up to date, and they are aware of what has happened," he said.
Shortly after his death, his daughter Brittany Hackett told The Daily Advertiser she was still in shock that her dad was gone.
"I am at a loss for words," she said.
"He was loud, he was caring, loving - he loved all of his friends. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He could be stubborn at times, and that is where I probably get it from."
Annie Lewis
Have a tip? Email me at a.lewis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Have a tip? Email me at a.lewis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
