Mount Pritchard: Man charged over fatal alleged hit-and-run in Sydney’s southwest

A duffel bag with almost $1m in cash was allegedly found stashed inside a freezer after police arrested a man in dramatic scenes outside his home metres from where his alleged victim lay dead.

A duffel bag with almost $1m in cash was allegedly found stashed inside a freezer after police arrested a man in dramatic scenes outside his home, just metres from where his alleged victim lay dead.

John Ung, 55, was arrested and escorted from his home after police were called to the intersection of Pritchard St and Hemphill Ave, Mt Pritchard about 3am on Wednesday following reports a man had been found with serious injuries.

By the time paramedics arrived, Harry Chandla, a 31-year-old trolley pusher from Auburn, had died at the scene.

The 55-year-old appeared at Fairfield Local Court on Thursday as his three children and the alleged victim’s brother, sister and cousin gathered in the courtroom while Ung’s lawyer, Steven Boland made an application for bail.

Harry Chandla was killed after an alleged hit-and-run in Mount Pritchard on Wednesday. Supplied.

Mr Chandla’s brother, Amal, broke down outside the courthouse, telling reporters they were “devastated” after losing their brother.

“It’s just too much for me at the moment to say anything, it’s definitely a big loss for my family, my sisters here, my mom and dad back in India,” Mr Chandla said.

The court heard police allegedly uncovered almost $950,000 in cash hidden inside a freezer under the stairs of the Mt Prichard home before taking the 55-year-old into custody.

Ung’s lawyer argued police had “no evidence” to suggest his client was dealing with the proceeds of crime after the frozen cash was seized.

Magistrate Stuart Devine questioned the defence and asked: “What people have $940,000 in a duffel bag in the freezer?”

“It’s not illegal to have cash”, Mr Boland said.

Harry Chandla's brother Amal, outside of Fairfield Local Court.

Ung was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. His licence was suspended.

Mr Boland played CCTV which showed Mr Chandla walking along the intersection of Pritchard St and Hemphill Ave and argued it was “not clear how he got onto the road”.

“The deceased put himself in a position where he was likely to be hit,” he said.

“He made the decision to lie down across a road at 2am in the morning wearing dark clothing.”

Mr Boland said CCTV also showed a white Hyundai hatchback swerved to avoid the victim before his client arrived on the scene.

CCTV Footage showing Pritchard Street and Hemphill Ave intersection where a man is seen walking along Pritchard Street in Mt Pritchard.

The prosecution argued CCTV showed Ung failed to stop and give the victim assistance.

“Police have made no sort of submission that the victim was lying on the ground,” the prosecution said.

Mr Boland argued his client was instead subjected to an “accidental crime” where people

“don’t realise they’ve hit someone until they’re called after by police”.

He said it was “not clear that he (Harry Chandla) was conscious” and there was “no reaction by way of sound” when he was hit.

Magistrate Stuart Devine read from police facts what he described as “biological material” was found on the side of Ung’s car and a missing piece of the vehicle was found at the scene.

Mr Devine granted Ung bail due to his lack of criminal history after a family member offered more than $500,000 in equity from their property portfolio as a surety for his release.

Prichard Street at Mount Pritchard where a John Ung was arrested in connection with a fatal hit and run that occurred on the street on Wednesday. Picture: Richard Dobson

Police on the scene at Prichard St at Mount Pritchard. Picture: Richard Dobson

Ung is not expected to be released from bail today as his passport is at the Chinese embassy due to travel planning, the court heard.

The matter will return to Liverpool Local Court on May 2.