The disqualified learner driver who was behind the wheel of a ute when it crashed near Junee, killing his passenger, has been charged by police.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Riverina Police District Inspector Adrian Telfer said the charges were "very serious", and officers allege inconsistencies in recounts of the accident led to the arrest of the man on Monday afternoon.
A 37-year-old woman died after the HiLux left the road and hit a tree on Pattersons Road at Harefield about 4.45pm on Sunday.
The 23-year-old man who was driving at the time of the crash was taken to Wagga Base Hospital with chest and arm injuries.
Both the man and the woman are from Junee.
A crime scene was established by officers from Riverina Police District, which was examined by specialist police attached to the crash investigation unit.
In other news
The 23-year-old man was arrested at the hospital about 5pm on Monday and taken to Wagga police station, where he was subsequently charged.
"A number of things relayed at the time of the accident were inconsistent with what we were able to prove," Inspector Telfer said.
"Initially, we spoke to the driver at the scene and a particular version was provided to us, but over the last couple of days, we allege that some of that was not truthful."
Inspector Telfer said police believe the pair were in a romantic relationship, but was unable to comment on whether that played a role in what caused the crash.
"With scenes such as this, a lot of research and investigative strategies are put into place," he said.
"It takes time, and on this occasion, that's why we called on the experts from Sydney for the crash investigation."
Police have been speaking to the family of the deceased as part of the ongoing investigation, according to Inspector Telfer.
"Speaking to the family is a big part of the investigation and we have been engaging with them over the last few days," he said.
"There are still a number of people in the Junee area that we wish to speak to though who were involved with this couple."
The man is facing charges of dangerous driving occasioning death - drive manner dangerous, driver motor vehicle during disqualification period, negligent driving occasioning death, contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (DV) and breach bail conditions.
He was refused bail to appear before Wagga Local Court today.
Jessica McLaughlin
If something is awry in our community, I want to know. If someone deserves celebration, I want to know. Everyone deserves an honest news source and that's what I'm here to help achieve.
If something is awry in our community, I want to know. If someone deserves celebration, I want to know. Everyone deserves an honest news source and that's what I'm here to help achieve.
