Figtree: Daniel Robert Hardy charged over fatal M1 crash

A man who allegedly killed a motorcyclist in a horror hit-and-run on a major road near Wollongong was allegedly driving an uninsured, unregistered car, with a suspended licence.

A man who allegedly killed a motorcyclist in a horror hit and run near Wollongong was allegedly driving an uninsured and unregistered car, and with a suspended licence, when the tragedy occured. Generic image. Picture: Tom Parrish

A man charged over a horror crash on the M1 motorway near Illawarra allegedly had a suspended licence and was driving an uninsured and unregistered car when the incident occurred, court documents allege.

Police allege Albion Park Rail man Daniel Robert Hardy, 45, was driving his uninsured and unregistered silver utility on a suspended licence when he collided with 66-year-old motorcycle rider Robert Alexander as they tried to merge into the same lane on the M1 at Figtree on November 10.

Mr Alexander then lost control and was thrown from the bike, colliding with a white MG SUV.

Police allege Hardy did not stop after the impact and continued driving.

Mr Alexander died at the scene.

Police investigating the crash then found the silver ute Hardy was allegedly driving that day in the backyard of a property on Spearing Pde, Gwynneville, on Friday, November 15.

The car was seized for forensic and mechanical examinations.

Hardy was arrested at a property on Power Drive, Mount Warrigal, later that same day and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with dangerous driving causing death – drive manner dangerous, failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, negligent driving occasioning death, drive unregistered vehicle, drive uninsured vehicle and drive while suspended.

He faced Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, November 16, but did not apply for bail.

He was remanded in custody and is expected to next face court at Wollongong on January 22, 2025.