Jade Hugh Cherry charged with hit-and-run death of Colin Watson

The identity of the man accused of fatally striking Colin Watson in an alleged hit-and-run on a quiet road near Kingaroy has been revealed.

The man accused of causing the death of Colin Watson after allegedly running him over with a car had his case briefly mentioned in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Jade Hugh Cherry, 30, is charged with the dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, unlicensed driving, and failing to remain at the scene and render assistance.

Mr Cherry’s lawyer, Mandy Reid from Athena Law, appeared via telephone and informed the court that Mr Cherry would not be applying for bail.

Mr Cherry was not present for the proceedings and has not entered a plea.

Police investigate where Colin Watson was allegedly struck by a vehicle at Kingaroy on September 3. Photo: Nine News

Ms Reid requested a full brief of evidence for all charges.

Police prosecutor Lisa Manns said reports from the forensic pathologist could take at least a month to be finalised.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair adjourned the matter, with the next mention scheduled for November 29.

Mr Watson’s aunt said after the incident her nephew had been walking to get milk for the morning coffee when we he was allegedly struck and killed by a black Mercedes-Benz in Kingaroy in the early hours of Tuesday, September 3.

Pauline Donohue said Colin Watson, 36, a father of two, was “no angel” but had “a big heart and he would help anybody’.’

“He was a good bloke and a good mate,’’ she told media.

“I was just waking up at 5 o’clock and we all wanted coffee and because there was no milk, Colin and his mate said they would go down the shop.

“And he never came back.’’

Father of two Colin Watson was struck and killed in an alleged hit and run crash at Kingaroy.

Emergency crews were called to First Avenue near Kingaroy just after 5am on September 3, after a black Mercedes allegedly struck Mr Watson before driving away.

Mr Watson was walking with another 27-year-old man, when he was hit by the vehicle.

Police said Mr Watson died at the scene.

Subsequent investigations led police to locate a Mercedes at an address on Boonenne Ellesmere Road in Taabinga, and Mr Cherry was taken into custody.

Inspector Scott Stahlhut of the South Burnett Patrol Group earlier described Mr Watson’s death as “absolutely tragic” and “unnecessary”.

“Our sympathies go out to the family,’’ Insp Stahlhut said.

Colin Watson, 36, was killed in an alleged hit and run on Tuesday, September 3.

“The information that I have is that the male person did die from his injuries at the scene this morning … obviously traumatic injuries.’’

Police were unable to say whether Mr Watson and Mr Cherry were known to each other.

“Evidence has been collected from the scene and we do have the vehicle in question which will be further examined.’’

First Ave, near Logan Rd, at Kingaroy was closed following the crash. Photo: Andrew Hedgman

Police said there was some damage to the Mercedes, which was being examined.

“There was some debris on the road”.

“We had some great support from the community today and the vehicle was sighted south of Kingaroy.’’

Police said they had interviewed a number of witnesses at the scene and indications were the vehicle did come to a stop before leaving.

First Ave, near Logan Rd, was closed following the crash with police asking people to please avoid the area.

Officers from the Forensic Crash Unit took measurements of the scene, which included debris on the road.

South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff said it was an “absolute tragedy” and passed her condolences to the family of Mr Watson.

Locals expressed shock at the death.