Andrew Franklin charged with manslaughter over North Entrance Cade Shiells, Kevin Stokes deaths
A man has been charged with manslaughter following the tragic double fatality at North Entrance which claimed the lives of Cade Shiells and Kevin Stokes.
Central Coast
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Dressed in black shorts and a white shirt, a 33-year-old man has faced Wyong Local Court for the first time after being charged with one count of manslaughter.
Andrew Peter Franklin, of The Entrance, was not required to enter a plea when he appeared before a Registrar during a short call-over on Wednesday.
It comes after promising chef Cade Shiells, 26, and Kevin Stokes, 46, were hit by a Toyota HiLux on Wilfred Barrett Drive at North Entrance shortly after midnight on July 8, 2018.
Mr Shiells died at the scene while Mr Stokes was rushed to John Hunter Hospital but died a few days later.
Mr Franklin was also slightly injured in the collision.
The ute driver, Damien Robert Seaman, of Bateau Bay, was charged with several offences including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm; causing harm by misconduct behind the wheel; negligent driving causing death and grievous bodily harm and negligent driving.
Police alleged at the time Mr Seaman, then 46, was driving a white Toyota HiLux when he “did by misconduct” travel around a sweeping right hand bend and failed to see the three pedestrians on the road.
However, these charges were all later withdrawn and dismissed in September last year except for a “fine only” offence of negligent driving, not causing death or injury.
Police will allege in court Mr Franklin and his father-in-law Mr Stokes were fighting with Mr Shiells in the middle of the road at the time.
Charge sheets tendered in court allege Mr Franklin’s involvement in the alleged fight contributed to Mr Shiells’ death in the form of manslaughter.
Mr Franklin’s bail was continued and he will return to court on June 15.
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