Joel Mark Wayne’s fatal hit and run matter adjourned in Bowen Magistrates Court

A Bowen man accused of a fatal hit and run has had his matter adjourned as prosecution says they need more time to search for missing evidence.

Police were on scene in Bowen following the hit and run on Thursday, July 25 that killed a male cyclist in his 60s. Picture: Contributed

Missing evidence has again delayed the case against a Bowen man accused of a fatal hit and run, with his lawyers saying only a partial brief had been received.

Joel Mark Wayne remains in custody following the incident which occurred on July 25, 2024, when it is alleged he was behind the wheel and failed to render assistance in a fatal crash.

Solicitor Cleo Rewald appeared as town agent for Rennick Lawyers in Bowen Magistrates Court and said a partial brief had been made available but there was still some missing evidence in relation to three of the 29 criminal charges, despite the matter being adjourned in December for the same reason.

Ms Rewald noted that some priority should be given to those in custody as they did lack liberty.

Police prosecution requested four weeks to go through the file and locate any missing evidence.

Joel Mark Wayne is in custody following the alleged incident.

Police allege Mr Wayne struck a 69-year-old cyclist on Bootooloo Rd and left him on the side of the road where he was found by a passing driver.

The victim later died from his injuries.

Mr Wayne is also charged with a string of other offences in the days before and after the incident including drug driving, driving uninsured, driving while disqualified, not following directions of a police officer, assault causing bodily harm, armed robbery, and possessing dangerous drugs among other offences.

Magistrate Anna Smith adjourned the matter to allow time for all materials to be provided to the defence.

Mr Wayne will not need to appear in court on the next occasion.

His matters were adjourned to March.