Colac Otways Shire CEO Anne Howard challenged by mum over bike collision claims

The mother of a teenage cyclist allegedly struck by a car driven by a council boss has accused her of “changing her story” following a public spat over the collision.

Colleen McDonnell has challenged Colac Otways Shire chief executive Anne Howard’s version of events over an accident with her son on his bike. Picture: Brad Fleet

The mother of a cyclist allegedly hit by a council chief’s car has accused her of “changing her story” following a public spat over the collision.

The incident, on August 15 last year, involved a 16-year-old student riding a bicycle along Rae St and Colac Otways Shire chief executive officer, Anne Howard.

The boy’s mum, Colleen McDonnell, said she had been moved to “set the record straight” after witnessing an explosive council meeting last week that saw Ms Howard questioned about the collision by former councillor, Tosh-Jake Finnigan.

Ms Howard has denied any wrongdoing and says her car was T-boned by the cyclist, a claim that is being disputed by Ms McDonnell.

“She may not have run over my child, but she certainly did hit my child,” Ms McDonnell claimed.

“He was riding on the footpath and she has come out and collected him.

“She hit him, but now she seems to be putting the blame back on my son.”

Ms Howard previously disputed Finnigan’s version of events.

Medical records seen by the Geelong Advertiser show the boy was treated at the Colac Area Health hospital following the incident.

It’s estimated he spent three hours waiting in an emergency room and had an X-ray of his shoulder.

Injuries included damage to his right AC joint after his body crashed onto the bonnet of the car.

“My boy was in shock … sweating, shaking and was as white as a ghost after it happened,” Ms McDonnell said.

“Her version of events has really annoyed me.

“She said the car was virtually stationary yet the three of them admitted at the time of the accident they were all moving slowly.

“I am disappointed she is turning it back around on my son.”

Colac Otway Shire Council's chief executive Anne Howard. Picture: Colac Otway Shire Council.

Council’s Infrastructure and Environment general manager, Doug McNeill, was the other passenger in the vehicle.

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed the accident was probed by police, with investigators told a bike “ran into the side of the car” and the rider suffered minor injuries.

“The matter was later reported to police and officers spoke to all parties involved including a 54-year-old woman,” he said.

“Given the circumstances no further action was taken by police.”

Ms Howard was contacted for comment but declined to answer direct questions.

A Colac council representative said she “and a passenger in the car” provided immediate assistance to the boy.

This included “notifying his family, waiting with him until they arrived and encouraging them to seek medical attention”.

“Follow up calls were made to his family to check on his welfare and an incident report was lodged with council,” the spokesman said.

“Police advised that no statements were required and no further action was taken.”

The teen’s mother refuted these claims.

“Not once has Anne physically picked up the phone and called me,” Ms McDonnell said.

“She made no effort to help him get his bike home.

McDonnell says her son was left traumatised and injured following the collision. Picture: Brad Fleet

“She alluded at the council meeting that he was going too fast and he’s basically hit her, but this is not true.”

Ms McDonnell said she spent $160 on getting the bike checked for damage to its frame, and $40 buying a new helmet.

She also made a police statement.

It comes as the council removed online access to last week’s video stream of the meeting as it sought advice on “defamation risk”.

Mayor Jason Schram has publicly backed Ms Howard.

Originally published as Colac Otways Shire CEO Anne Howard challenged by mum over bike collision claims