Bardiya McKinnon: Sydney actor killed in alleged hit and run

A popular young Sydney actor died after he was involved in an alleged hit and run involving a ute driven by a northern beaches’ man, a court has heard.

Sydney actor Bardiya McKinnon, who died after he was knocked from his motorcycle in an alleged hit and run incident on the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney. Picture: Instagram

The driver of a ute has been charged over the alleged hit and run death of a popular Sydney actor.

Bardiya McKinnon, who starred in numerous Sydney theatre productions as well as hit TV series, died when he was allegedly knocked off his motorcycle at North Sydney.

Mr McKinnon, 28, suffered terrible head injuries in the incident on the Warringah Freeway, near the northern entrance to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, on November 21.

Bardiya McKinnon (left) and Deniz Akdeniz in the Disney TV show 'As The Bell Rings'.

He died two days later in Royal North Shore Hospital surrounded by his family, girlfriend and friends.

Police allege the driver of the Ford Ranger ute, Anthony Kerry Bain, 49, of Elanora Heights, collided with the motorcycle while merging lanes and then drove off without calling an ambulance or offering help.

Witnesses told police Mr McKinnon, who grew up in Sydney’s northern suburbs, skidded 32m along the roadway before his head struck a kerb.

Sydney actor Bardiya McKinnon Picture: Riverside Theatres

Mr Bain, a father of five, was originally charged, a day after the incident, 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.

Manly Local Court heard on Wednesday that Mr Bain, who is in custody, is now facing three upgraded charges of dangerous driving occasioning death (drive manner dangerous); negligent driving occasioning death and; fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact – causing death.

In a bail application last month 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 Mr McKinnon.

Bardiya McKinnon in a production for the Griffin Theatre Company. Picture: Griffin Theatre

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.

Bardiya McKinnon, who “will be greatly missed by every member of the Griffin staff”. Picture: Griffin Theatre

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

In a tribute posted on Mr McKinnon’s Instagram account, his family said: “We are deeply saddened to advise all that Bardiya McKinnon has passed away”.

“Bardiya was surrounded by his loving mother and sister, his girlfriend and close friends.

“The family wishes to thank the extraordinary nurses, doctors and team at Royal North Shore Hospital for their incomparable support, empathy and care.”

Mr McKinnon appeared in theatre productions across Sydney and had a starring role in the Disney Channel TV series “As the Bell Rings” for four seasons.

He also had a recurring part in SBS’s “East West 101”.

On its Facebook page the Griffin Theatre Company at Darlinghurst said the actor “brought a beautiful sense of light, humour and passion” to the stage.

“Bardiya will be greatly missed by every member of the Griffin staff, as well as the cast and creatines of ‘First Love’.

“He was a wonderfully talented young actor, an impressive theatrical producer, and a lovely colleague and friend.”

Riverside Theatres at Parramatta said it was “heart broken” at the news of his death and “that a life so full of promise and light has gone out”.

Mr Bain will be back in Manly Local Court on February 18.