Hit-run driver Jordan Lee Harry Fisher’s victim tells court he’s been through ‘hell’ since Freeling crash, and lost a leg

A man who lost a leg and was forced to learn to walk again after a hit-run crash says his life has been “hell” – and questions if his life will ever be normal again.

A motorcyclist who lost his leg and nearly died in a hit-run crash has “been through hell” and had 17 falls, a court has heard.

Ute driver Jordan Lee Harry Fisher appeared in District Court on Friday after earlier pleading guilty over the hit-run crash on the Thiele Highway at Freeling in June 2022.

His victim, John Nankivell, told the court of the irreparable damage caused by the crash saying he had suffered “stress and trauma”.

“I try to block and dissociate myself to protect my mental state,” Mr Nankivell said. “Can I ever live a normal life again?

John Nankivell leaves court. Picture Dean Martin

“My leg wasn’t there but I couldn’t feel the pain of a smashed leg.”

Mr Nankivell, who spent 75 days in hospital, said he has since been fitted with a prosthetic leg – and was forced to learn to walk again.

“I’ve had 17 falls,” he said. “I feel like our possible future has been taken from us. It feels like I’ve been through hell.”

The ute being driven by Fisher at the time of the crash. Picture: SA Police

Fisher, of Waikerie, was arrested on June 7, 2022 and charged with causing harm by dangerous driving, leaving the accident scene after causing harm and driving on an unauthorised licence after a drink driving disqualification.

Police say Fisher unhooked his trailer and spoke to witnesses before fleeing the crash.

Waikerie man Jordan Fisher. Picture: Facebook

He was arrested more than 24 hours later, on Tuesday night, in the northern suburbs without incident.

Mr Nankivell, then 40 years old, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition following the crash.

A Holden ute, which police say was the vehicle involved in the crash, was recovered and seized from a Brahma Lodge address.

Mr Nankivell said he and his wife were expecting their first child in October and he was questioning his physical ability.

“My child will have certain expectations of me,” he said.

“No longer I can do everything I’d like to do.”

Fisher will next appear in the District Court in October.

Originally published as Hit-run driver Jordan Lee Harry Fisher’s victim tells court he’s been through ‘hell’ since Freeling crash, and lost a leg