Driver faces court over death of Terrigal mum Annabelle Deall
MENOUAR BELKADI, 22, whose car ploughed into two women crossing the Scenic Highway at Terrigal — killing mother-of-four Annabelle Deall and injuring her pregnant friend Meagan Darling — has faced court.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE driver who allegedly ploughed into two women crossing the Scenic Highway at Terrigal — killing mother-of-four Annabelle Deall and injuring her pregnant friend Meagan Darling — has faced court over the incident for the first time this morning.
Seated in the public gallery Menouar Belkadi said nothing during his brief mention at Gosford Local Court where his solicitor sought an adjournment to receive the complete brief of evidence.
“This is the first time in the list, no pleas are entered at this stage,” Mr Belkadi’s solicitor said.
The 22-year-old was charged with three serious offences following the fatal collision on August 6 including dangerous and negligent driving occasioning death and failing to keep left of the dividing line.
Police allege Mr Belkadi crossed to the wrong side of the Scenic Highway when he struck two of three women crossing the road to go for dinner at The Cowrie restaurant about 7.35pm.
A police bail decision tendered along with charge sheets revealed Mr Belkadi, of Empire Drive, Kincumber, had no previous criminal history.
“The accused is employed as a baker and resides with his parents,” it read.
However, in granting bail police noted that Mr Belkadi faced a strong “likelihood of a custodial sentence” if convicted.
The highway was closed for five hours after the collision as officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit examined the scene.
Mr Belkadi stopped his vehicle further along the road and was arrested a short time later.
He and his two male passengers were uninjured.
Mr Belkadi was taken to Gosford Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests before being charged.
His authority to drive in NSW on a Queensland driver’s licence was suspended with a further bail condition — that he not occupy the driver’s seat of any car — added.
Magistrate Bruce Williams ordered the full brief of police evidence be served by October 11 before adjourning the matter to October 21.
Mr Belkadi said nothing as he left court flanked by his supporters.
Popular physiotherapist Mrs Deall, 33, was remembered at a moving service two weeks ago at her Alma mater Central Coast Grammar School where her love blossomed with childhood sweetheart Simon Deall.
The couple went on to have four beautiful boys Benjamin, 6, David, 3, and two-year-old twins Edward and Angus.
Her friend, Ms Darling, was 20 weeks pregnant when she was also struck by the car and suffered pelvic injuries. Her baby was not injured.
Splash of vino, darl?: Car thief locked up after wine text bungle
A serial offender with more than 50 prior charges broke into a popular pub and stole thousands of bucks worth of booze before foolishly texting his lady a pic – asking if she was keen for a drop.
Alleged dog shooter ‘likely’ to plead guilty: Court
A man who allegedly robbed an elderly couple in their motorhome before shooting their dog with an air rifle is ‘likely’ to plead guilty, a court has heard.