Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie: Man pleads not guilty to alleged hit and run, injuring three

Police have said it was lucky nobody was killed after a Mid-North Coast driver allegedly mounted the gutter and hit three pedestrians. Hear the latest from court.

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The man who allegedly hit three pedestrians in Port Macquarie last month has entered pleas in court.

Grant Cruse, 31, is charged with three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (drive manner dangerous), and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm after an alleged road rage incident.

The charges relate to an incident on Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie, on October 14 around 9pm where three pedestrians were allegedly struck by a Toyota Landcruiser SUV.

The matter was mentioned today in Port Macquarie Local Court.

The matter was mentioned in Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday where Cruse pleaded not guilty to all four charges.

The matter was set down for a hearing with Cruse to next appear on January 19 2023.

EARLIER

A man has been released on bail after his Toyota Landcruiser SUV allegedly mounted the footpath and hit three men over the weekend.

Grant Cruse, 31, appeared in Port Macquarie Local Court on October 17 charged with three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (drive manner dangerous), and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm after an alleged road rage incident that saw a trio of men hospitalised.

The police prosecution told the court it was “good fortunate that no one died” as a result of the collision.

“Despite his lack of criminal record, the danger (Cruse) displayed to members of the public was significant,” Mr Anderson said in his submission.

While the prosecution acknowledged the accused did turn himself in, about five hours after the fact, Mr Anderson said there’s “no justification for mounting the footpath” and dragging one of the victims underneath the vehicle for 16m.

NSW Police are investigating the matter.

Mr Anderson said it was likely Cruse would face time behind bars if convicted.

The defence agreed that court proceedings could be lengthy given the seriousness of the allegations, requesting the magistrate consider this in determining Cruse’s bail verdict.

Mr Giles said it “could be some 12 months” before the matter is finalised, pleading the court release him until then so he can be with his wife and four children.

The lawyer spoke on Cruse’s ties to the local community, being the “self-sufficient” owner of a landscaping business and having lived in Port Macquarie for 14 years.

Cruse’s solicitor noted there was no alcohol involved on the night in question.

The bail application comes after emergency services were called to Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie, around 9pm on October 14 following reports three pedestrians had been struck.

Police were told the injured men – along with another man, who left the scene before authorities arrived – were walking east on the footpath when a westbound Toyota Landcruiser SUV allegedly left the roadway and hit them before fleeing the scene.

The pedestrians – aged 18, 45 and 50 – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital.

The 18-year-old man was later flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition with head, leg, and pelvic injuries.

Authorities established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist crash investigation police.

Cruse was initially refused bail by police, but Magistrate Georgina Darcy granted bail provided he comply with strict conditions.

She told Cruse these are “very serious allegations”, noting the prosecution has a strong case against him.

Ms Darcy pointed to Cruse’s lack of criminal record, and his minimal traffic history.

The magistrate said that, despite Cruse never being subject to court orders in the past, he would no doubt “understand the need to comply with bail conditions”.

Ms Darcy found Cruse presented no “unacceptable risk” before granting him strict conditional bail.

Cruse is to be of good behaviour, reside at a set Port Macquarie address, report to police three times a week, not to go near or contact the victims, not leave home between 9pm and 6am unless in the company of his partner, not to go to any international airports, and not occupy the driver’s seat of any vehicle.

Under these orders, one or more acceptable people – including family members who were present in court – are to forfeit $10,000 in total for surety.