Krista Rapley: Alleged driver in Bar Beach cliff crash to seek release from mental health facility

The woman who allegedly drove her car off a cliff at Bar Beach, injuring a mother and her toddler, is expected to seek release from a mental health facility.

Krista Rapley was charged with driving in a manner dangerous causing grievous bodily harm, after her car allegedly plunged of a cliff at Bar Beach. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

The woman who allegedly drove her car off a cliff at Bar Beach, injuring two people, remains in custody at Newcastle’s Mater Hospital.

Krista Lynne Rapley is being treated in the hospital’s mental health ward, after the alleged suicide attempt in September.

The 46-year-old was excused from attending Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.

Lawyer Mark Ramsland told the court his client would next week apply to be released from the facility.

Rapley was ordered into treatment as a condition of her bail but is seeking to change that requirement.

Emergency workers and onlookers came to the aid of a mother and son who were hit when Krista Rapley’s car allegedly struck them on Bar Beach. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

Police alleged Rapley drove her Volkswagon Golf over the 30m cliff at Bar Beach about 10am on September 24.

She was treated in John Hunter Hospital for serious fractures.

A couple and their child, who were playing on the beach below, were lucky to survive when the car hit them.

The mother underwent emergency surgery for a broken hip, while the 19-month-old was treated for cuts and bruises.

The father was uninjured.

A woman was taken to an ambulance suffering a broken hip following the alleged crash. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

Rapley was placed under arrest while undergoing hospital treatment for injuries from the crash.

The Wallsend resident was charged with driving in a manner dangerous causing grievous bodily harm.

Krista Rapley was treated in hospital after the alleged crash. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

In the days following the alleged crash, the family recounted the terror of seeing the car hurtling over the cliff towards them.

“I still have these flashbacks, of this car coming over a cliff and all this debris, it’s like an asteroid field,” the father said at the time.

“I still can’t believe no-one died.”

Rapley will reappear in court on Monday.

For confidential support, call Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14.