Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, an 18‑year‑old P‑plater, appeared in court on Saturday after his car careered into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters lining the streets to bid farewell to their team.
The incident took place near a major roundabout on Saturday morning, when the vehicle struck the crowd, leaving ten people injured. Among the victims were children as young as five, one of whom was taken to hospital in an induced coma.
At the hearing, the court refused to grant Samarasinghe bail, ordering that he remain in custody while the case proceeds. He faces dangerous driving charges in connection with the crash.
Local residents and fans have organised a community rally to support those hospitalised, with vigils and donations being collected for the injured.
Newcastle Knights supporters were gathered in the area to celebrate the team’s season, a context that added to the crowd’s density at the time of the incident.
The case underscores the seriousness of reckless driving, with authorities warning that such conduct can have life‑changing consequences for both drivers and pedestrians.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>