Wilfred Barrett Drive: Damian Seaman charged with killing Cade Shiells, Kevin Stokes while on `meth’

Shock twist in Wilfred Barrett Drive fatal crash case with the driver now charged with being on “meth” at the time he allegedly killed not one but two pedestrians after a second injured man died.

Damian Seaman (left) leaving court after being charged over the death of Cade Shiells (top right) and Kevin Stokes. Picture: supplied

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A driver who allegedly ploughed into three people on Wilfred Barrett Drive at North Entrance has been charged with four new offences, including that he was on “meth” at the time.

Damian Robert Seaman, of Bateau Bay, was charged with several driving offences after a crash shortly past midnight on July 8, 2018, which left promising chef Cade Shiells, 26, dead and Kevin Stokes, 46, fighting for life at John Hunter Hospital.

Cade Shiells, 26, was killed.

Kevin Stokes, 46, died later from his injuries.

Mr Stokes later died as a result of his injuries while a third man, identified in charge sheets as Andrew Franklin, was also injured.

Police allege Mr Seaman 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.

The 45-year-old faced Wyong Local Court on Tuesday where he was served four fresh charges including two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death while under the influence of methylamphetamine, dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving causing death.

The Crown prosecutor told the court extensive investigations had been done since the parties had met for a case conference last year, which resulted in the new charges.

Damian Seaman (left) leaving Wyong Local Court with his solicitor Manny Conditsis after further driving offences were laid. Picture: Richard Noone

She said both the prosecution and Mr Seaman’s defence wished to cross examine toxicology expert Dr Judith Perl about her report dated January 27, 2020, which appeared to give conflicting findings.

In an application to hear evidence from Dr Perl, tendered in court, the Crown seeks to clarify one paragraph of the report which states: “I cannot form a firm opinion that at the time of driving, Damian Seaman was under the influence of Methylaphetamine”.

The crash happened on Wilfred Barrett Drive near Mini Street, North Entrance. Picture: Google

In another paragraph Dr Perl states “Mr Seaman would have been under the influence of the drug”.

She also states “that there would have been pharmacological effects of the drug” but the Crown said she did not state what those effects were.

Magistrate Caleb Franklin approved the application and adjourned the matter to April 9 when Dr Perl will give evidence via video link.

Mr Seaman has not entered any pleas.