Man injured, cop assaulted in alleged drunk hit and run

A man has been left with spinal injuries after he was struck by an alleged drink-driver who failed to stop and provide help.

A man has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and failing to remain the scene of an accident. File picture

A 39-year-old Greenbank man has appeared in court after another man was left with spinal injuries after an alleged hit-and-run at Ipswich overnight.

The matter against Frederick Charles Pukallus, 39, was briefly mentioned in Ipswich Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Duty lawyer Matthew Fairclough said his client would not be applying for bail at this stage.

Magistrate Lance Rundele adjourned the matter to June 17 for mention.

Pukallus was remanded in custody, and not required to appear on that date.

Police allege that just before 7.30pm on Sunday night, a 2006 Holden Commodore was travelling along Rex Rd at Eastern Heights when it struck a pedestrian, before leaving the scene and crashing at a nearby intersection at Grange and Robertson roads in Raceview.

Police located the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle inside the stationary sedan.

He was arrested and charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle and adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, driver fail to remain at incident and render assistance showing callous disregard for the needs of a person injured, driving of a motor vehicle without a driver's licence, and serious assault police officer.

The pedestrian, a 42-year-old Eastern Heights man, was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with spinal injuries.

Nearby residents with CCTV, and motorists travelling in the Eastern Heights or Raceview area between 7.15pm and 7.45pm, are urged to contact police.

Anyone with information should call 131 444.