Clancy Johnston killed in truck crash at Gunnedah, Jason Hardy in Taree court
A 21-year-old killed in a horror road crash is being remembered as a “true gentleman with a heart of gold”. Now a shock new twist has emerged in the wake of his death.
Mid-North Coast
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In a shock twist to an already tragic tale it’s been revealed that a 21-year-old killed in a horror crash was also the alleged victim of a crime, with the accused making a plea for bail after almost two months remanded in custody.
Clancy Johnston from the small town of Wingham near Taree on the state’s mid-north coast was killed on Saturday in a single-vehicle truck crash.
Emergency services responded to reports of a truck crashing into a tree along Clifton Road, Gunnedah, about 8am according to the NSW Police Force.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Mr Johnston, who was the sole occupant of the truck, but he died at the scene.
The truck was carrying a large volume of aviation fuel which spilt into the road and surrounding area.
Officers from the local Oxley Police District have started an investigation and will prepare a report for the coroner.
Tributes have flown for the young man who friends say was a true gentleman with a heart of gold.
Emma Campbell has established an online fundraising campaign to help with the costs of Mr Johnston’s funeral.
“He was the sunshine in a lot of people’s lives; he was fun-loving hardworking and a bloody great young man.
“Family meant the world to Clancy and his friends who became his family, he loved just as much,” she said.
In Taree Local Court on Monday, prior to the appearance of Jason Maxwell Hardy via audiovisual link, the police prosecutor told the magistrate that Mr Johnston, one of Hardy’s alleged victims, had passed away in a truck crash in Gunnedah over the weekend.
The prosecutor told the court Hardy was aware of the tragedy.
There is no suggestion Hardy was involved with Mr Clancy’s fatal crash.
Hardy has been charged with aggravated enter dwelling with intent to inflict actual bodily harm and has been remanded in custody since his arrest on February 19.
He remains charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault and is yet to formally enter a plea to any of the charges.
Hardy is a 34-year-old with no criminal history and owns a business which is currently unable to operate due to him being remanded in custody, the court heard.
His previous application for bail was unsuccessful as the proposed address was within the Manning area.
When he appeared on Monday with supporters in the body of the court it was heard he could live at his aunt and uncle’s house in a suburb of Sydney.
As Magistrate Allison Hawkins revealed she would grant Hardy bail and was outlining the conditions a male supporter became visibly excited and started patting another woman on the shoulder.
“Excuse me sir, this is a courtroom, not a concert,” Ms Hawkins warned him.
Hardy was granted bail and ordered not to go within a 20km radius of Wingham and report daily to the Wentworthville police station.
Hardy must not leave the Sydney address between 8pm and 7am unless in the company of his aunt or uncle.
His matter has been adjourned to May 13.
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