Adam Bidner on trial, charged with murder of Shane Mears at Cessnock tip in 2020

The trial of a Cessnock man accused of running down and killing a father-of-seven over a scrap metal dispute is set to begin.

The crime scene at Cessnock tip after Shane Mears was found with injuries and later died. Picture: Amy Ziniak

The trial of a Cessnock man accused of running down and killing a father-of-seven over a scrap metal dispute will start in Newcastle this week.

Adam Andrew Bidner, from Aberdare, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shane Mears by allegedly hitting him with his Toyota Landcruiser and leaving him for dead at the Cessnock Waste Management Centre on July 5, 2020.

Police allege Mr Mears and a friend had separated to look for scrap metal when the alleged altercation with Bidner occurred, before he fled into bushland through a hole in the fence and left the 54-year-old critically injured.

Adam Bidner has pleaded not guilty over the murder of Shane Mears at Cessnock tip in 2020. Picture: Facebook.

Shane Mears was allegedly killed while looking for scrap metal. Picture: supplied

Three days later Bidner was arrested at Lovedale.

He has also pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop and assist, while an offence of negligent driving occasioning death will serve as backup charge.

Pre-trial submissions are being heard early this week in Newcastle Supreme Court before a jury is scheduled to be empanelled on Wednesday.

The trial will be before Justice Helen Wilson.