Anthony Bain: Elanora man’s hit and run charges after Warringah Freeway collision with motorbike

A ute driver allegedly left the scene of a terrible Sydney freeway crash with a motorbike without calling for help for the badly injured rider, a court has been told

A CareFlight emergency helicopter medical team landed in St Leonard's Park, North Sydney, to treat a man seriously injured in a motorcycle incident on the Warringah Freeway. Picture: CareFlight

The driver of a ute allegedly knocked a rider off his motorcycle causing him “catastrophic” head injuries, and then drove off without calling an ambulance or offering help, a court has been told.

A Ford Ranger being driven by Anthony Kerry Bain, 49, of Elanora Heights, allegedly collided with the motorbike on Saturday, sending its rider skidding along the roadway for 32m before his head struck a gutter.

Manly Local Court heard on Monday that Mr Bain’s allegedly sideswiped the bike as the ute changed lanes while heading south on the Warringah Freeway, North Sydney, at 3.15pm on Saturday.

The motorcycle rider was rushed to Royal North Shore Hopsital with “catastrophic” head injuries. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

In a bail application the court heard that Mr Bain pulled over after the alleged impact and walked back to the injured rider and asked bystanders “what happened?”.

But, the court heard, that Mr Bain then allegedly drove away, did not call triple-0, or offer to assist the injured 28-year-old man who is now in critical condition in Royal North Shore Hospital.

The father of five was arrested at his home on Sunday evening and charged with one count each of fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact – causing grievous bodily harm; dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm; negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and; not give particulars to police.

The court heard that there were a number of witnesses to the alleged offences and that CCTV footage had been captured by police.

Police prosecutor Adrian Walsh opposed bail. Sgt Walsh said Mr Bain could be a danger to the community if released from custody and “has no respect for road rules”.

“His attitude after the incident I’ll describe as appalling,” he said.

Sgt Walsh alleged that Mr Bain told police he did not remain at the scene because he was currently serving two Intensive Corrections Orders in relation to a previous conviction for dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

Mr Bain’s lawyer said his client “heard noises” but was not aware that he had allegedly collided with the motorcycle.

He said Mr Bain did not call triple-0 because there were a number of people already assisting the injured rider.

Anthony Kerry Bain will be back in Manly Local Court on December 16. Picture: Manly Daily

“It wasn’t the case that he coldly drove off,” the lawyer said.

But in dismissing Mr Bain’s bail application, Magistrate Michelle Goodwin said that after he asked what happened a bystander allegedly told him: “You’ve taken him (the rider) out. Don’t go anywhere.

“ (Mr Bain) stopped, he walked back, he saw the damage he did and left,” Ms Goodwin said.

“The (rider) suffered catastrophic head injuries and may not survive”.

Ms Goodwin formally refused bail. Mr Bain will be back in Manly Local Court on December 16 for mention.