Driver in Byron hit and run allegedly on alcohol and ecstasy

Driver in Byron hit-and-run allegedly on ecstasy and alcohol.

THE driver of a car who hit a four-year-old girl near the Cape Byron lighthouse in February 2014 and failed to stop was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and the drug ecstasy.

Rakau Williams faced charges of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm while under the influence of a drug or drugs, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm, failing to stop and assist after an impact causing grievous bodily harm, driving under the influence of alcohol or other drug and dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm while under the influence.

At her arraignment in Lismore District Court yesterday, the 29 year-old pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm.

Under instruction from her barrister Simon Priestley, Williams entered a not guilty plea to the charge of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm while under the influence of a drug or drugs.

It is alleged at 6.45am on February 15, Williams drove a blue Tasmanian registered Volvo sedan on Lighthouse Road while under the influence of alcohol and the drug ecstasy.

The Volvo allegedly hit a four-year-old girl who was walking with her parents, knocking her down an embankment, causing her to fracture her right leg.

The girl was taken to hospital and had to undergo surgery on her leg.

Her mother was also hit by the car, but not injured.

Williams allegedly fled the scene but the Volvo was found several hours later on Shelley Dr at Byron Bay and she was arrested, charged and granted conditional bail.

The court heard it was alleged Williams was under the influence of ecstasy and alcohol at the time of the incident.

Yesterday Judge James Bennett accepted Williams pleas at arraignment and adjourned her matters for hearing in February 2016.

Mr Priestley requested a variation on Williams bail which will be heard next Monday.

Judge Bennett ordered the Probation and Parole Department to prepare a pre sentence report on Williams before her appearance in court next February.

Williams remains free on conditional bail.

Originally published as Driver in Byron hit and run allegedly on alcohol and ecstasy