Witness in Shane Matherson trial says car drove over man lying on road like a ‘speed bump’

A car hit a scrap metal yard worker, performed a U-turn and drove over him as he lay on a road “like a speed bump” a court has heard.

As soon as Daniel Van Mook saw Shane Anthony Matherson’s white van bump “up and down like it went over a speed bump” and drive away, he took off in pursuit.

Mr Van Mook, 51, appeared in the District Court on Friday, giving evidence in the trial against Mr Matherson who is charged with endangering the life of Denron Metals employee Craig Hatchard in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty.

Mr Van Mook, who was disposing of some rubbish at the nearby dump, said he saw Mr Matherson travel past him at speed toward the Murray St cul-de-sac before making a U-turn and begin driving in the direction of Mr Hatchard who was lying on the road.

“(I was) expecting him to slow down,” Mr Van Mook said. “He did not – he continued and I watched the vehicle bump up and down like it ran over a speed bump.

“I decided to follow the van. It was just a response. I didn’t know why the vehicle continued to go (but) I felt I needed to follow.

“I eventually came up next to the van – that’s when he yelled out to me ‘you’re f**ing next’ and at that point I decided to do a U-turn and return.”

The court heard Mr Matherson denied yelling that at Mr Van Mook.

It has previously heard his actions were that of a “distressed and panicked man who was trying to escape”.

“I’d like to highlight, Your Honour, that immediately after the windscreen broke, my client reversed in order to avoid running Mr Hatchard over. When he did reverse, he was set upon by a number of workers,” defence counsel said.

Police interview employees at the scrap metal yard in 2021. Picture: Emma Brasier

Shane Matherson leaves District Court earlier this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

On Tuesday, prosecution told the court Mr Matherson, of Blair Athol, attended the scrap metal yard on the corner of West Thebarton Rd and Murray St at closing time, where Mr Hatchard told him the business was shut before swearing and telling him to move his car.

Mr Hatchard then hit the windscreen of the van – causing it to crack – prompting Mr Matherson to drive the van forward, the court heard.

He is then alleged to have rammed Mr Hatchard with his car, causing him to be pinned between the side of the van and a white vehicle parked on the side of the road.

Police allege Mr Matherson then drove his car down the street’s cul-de-sac and returned at speed, hitting the employee a second time – running over his arm and shoulder.

Mr Van Mook said he couldn’t bear to look at the potentially graphic image of Mr Hatchard’s injuries, instead choosing to take off after Mr Matherson who had turned left on to West Thebarton Rd.

“I didn’t look. I knew – using my peripheral – his position, but I didn’t want to look at him. I didn’t know what I would see,” he said.

The trial continues.