Joel Mark Wayne charged over alleged fatal hit-and-run of Bowen man, violent robbery
The man police believe was the motorist responsible for a fatal hit-and-run on a Bowen road can now be revealed — with police accusing him of a crime spree before and after the crash.
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A Bowen man charged over the fatal hit-and-run of a cyclist in his 60s is accused by police of committing violent robberies the day after he allegedly left the man dying by the roadside.
Joel Mark Wayne appeared via videolink from prison, and was represented by Cleo Rewald acting as town agent for Rennick Lawyers in Bowen Court.
Queensland Police are charging Wayne with 29 offences - including the major criminal charge of ‘dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm and left scene of incident without obtaining help’, driving without a licence, and driving while drug affected.
Police are alleging Wayne was the motorist responsible for fatally striking a 69-year-old cyclist on Bootooloo Rd in July this year, leaving the man on the side of the road without rendering assistance.
A passing motorist eventually found the 69-year-old victim.
The hit-and-run occurred on July 25, 2024.
The court heard police have also charged Wayne with robbery with actual violence they alleged he performed on July 26, the day after the hit-and-run.
The court also heard of an enter premises and commit indictable offence charge they alleged happened at a petrol station on July 22 — three days before the fatal collision with the cyclist.
Wayne’s other charges include evading police, stealing, possessing dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons, unlawful use of motor vehicle and assault.
Police are also pursuing traffic charges including drive without a licence, drive uninsured vehicle, and driving while drug is present in saliva.
Wayne’s matter was adjourned to October 15, 2024.
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