Francesco Salvador fails to front Wollongong Local Court after charged with negligent driving occasioning death

A magistrate and police prosecutor have been left perplexed after a driver charged with fatally hitting a pedestrian in the middle of Wollongong did not show up to court for his first appearance.

Francesco Salvador’s case was listed in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday.

A magistrate and police prosecutor have been left perplexed after a driver charged with fatally hitting a pedestrian in the middle of Wollongong failed to show up to court.

Francesco Luciano Salvador, 66, was supposed to appear in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday after being charged last month with negligent driving occasioning death.

According to police, emergency services were called to Flinders St, Wollongong, on August 30 after reports a pedestrian had been struck by two cars travelling in opposite directions.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 57-year-old man – however, he died at the scene.

The drivers of the vehicles – Salvador and another male aged 54 – were taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

The crash occurred on Flinders St, Wollongong. Picture: Google Maps

Police arrested and charged Salvador with negligent driving occasioning death on September 9 and he was granted bail to appear in court on Tuesday.

“It is bizarre this person isn’t here or represented,” prosecutor Dane Corran said noting the seriousness of the charge.

Magistrate Michael Love agreed with Mr Corran, but said he was not prepared to issue an arrest warrant just yet.

“He is on bail to be here,” Mr Love said.

“The facts say he has been cooperative with police so this is bizarre.

“I will not issue a warrant because there has to be a reason he isn’t here so I will issue a notice to attend.”

The magistrate acknowledged a relative of the deceased had been sitting in court throughout the day and apologised for the circumstances which brought her to court.

The case was adjourned until November 5.

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