Truck driver who allegedly hit and killed teenager in Bankstown granted bail
A TRUCK driver who allegedly crossed on to a median strip and knocked down and killed a 16-year-old pedestrian in Sydney’s south west, has been released on bail.
NSW
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THE truck driver accused of killing a teenage pedestrian has been granted bail, with his lawyer describing the incident as a tragedy for all involved.
Married father of three George Kyriakidis, 43, has been charged with numerous driving offences after crossing onto the median strip and hitting a 16-year-old boy in Bankstown yesterday afternoon.
The teenager had just got off at a nearby bus stop and was on his way home from school when the incident happened.
He crossed into the middle of the road where there was a painted median strip and it was there that he was allegedly hit by the truck.
The incident happened on the corner of Chapel Rd South and Edward St just before 5pm.
The boy — the eldest of three children — was taken to Liverpool Hospital but died a short time later.
His family, who live nearby, declined to comment when approached by The Sunday Telegraph.
Speaking outside Parramatta Local Court today, Kyriakidis’ lawyer Louis Katsinas said he always thought his client would get bail.
“Beyond that, all I want to say is that this is a dreadful and tragic set of circumstances which will have a profound and everlasting impact on a number families,” he said.
“They clearly need time to come to terms with what has occurred.
“It’s obviously a very difficult time.”
Kyriakidis’ tearful wife Elizabeth sat in the courtroom and told Mr Katsinas that her husband “is not well”.
Kyriakidis, who was appearing by video link, sat with his head in his hands and looked distressed.
Mrs Kyriakidis, from Panania, has agreed to forfeit $100,000 without security to give her husband bail.
He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasion death, and not keep left of median strip — motor vehicle.
Kyriakidis walked out of Amber Laurel Correctional Centre in Emu Plains about 3pm today after posting bail.
He initially walked out, with a plastic bag holding his belongings, but asked the prison guards to let him back in after spotting media outside.
A few minutes later a friend in a Jeep 4WD drove into the carpark right outside the prison gate before Mr Kyriakidis, with a grey hoodie over his head, was escorted to the car by a guard.
He left the prison without saying anything to waiting media.
He will appear at Bankstown Local Court October 24.