Adam Bidner, Cessnock tip: Man charged over the death of Shane Mears, allegedly hit with 4WD

Cessnock man Shane Mears was allegedly hit and killed by a scrap metal collector in a four-wheel drive. Police have charged the Adam Bidner 30, with dangerous driving occasioning death.

Police have established a crime scene at a Cessnock tip after a man was found with injuries and later died. Picture: Amy Ziniak

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A man accused of running over and killing another man over scrap metal during a bizarre incident at Cessnock tip, had supporters show up at Cessnock Local Court on Thursday.

However, he was not required to appear as the matter was dealt with quickly.

Police allege Adam Bidner, 30, ran down Shane Mears with his Toyota Landcruiser at the Cessnock Waste Management Centre on Sunday afternoon, before escaping through a hole in a fence and along a dirt track, leaving him them to die.

Supporters of Adam Bidner were at Cessnock Local Court on Thursday. Picture Amy Ziniak

Mr Mears was found with “significant” multiple injuries by the side of a large scrap heap in an isolated area at the back of the facility.

On Wednesday the Aberdare man was charged with dangerous driving occasioning the death, negligent driving occasioning death, fail to stop and assist and not disclose identity of driver of vehicle.

Mr Bidner’s arrest followed a three-day hunt for those responsible for the death of Mr Mears.

An investigation is underway after a man died at Cessnock tip.

In court, Aboriginal Legal Services solicitor Jacob Tate said his client Mr Bidner would not be making an application for bail.

The prosecution also told the court there was a substantial amount of forensic and expert evidence in the case and it was unlikely it would be finalised by his next court appearance.

It was adjourned until August 26.

Strike Force Nargal, comprised of Hunter Valley detectives and homicide investigators will continue to delve into what occurred in the lead-up to Mr Mears’ death.

Police have established a crime scene at a Cessnock tip after a man was found with injuries and later died. Picture: Amy Ziniak

Police will allege Mr Bidner and the 54-year-old were both inside the tip as it was closing after accessing the scrap metal area through a hole in a fence.

Mr Mears had earlier arrived with a mate before the pair went their separate ways in a bid to maximise their chances of finding something valuable.

But Mr Mears’ friend began looking for his mate after he had not heard from him. He discovered him near the huge pile of scrap metal suffering horrific injuries and called authorities.

Police have seized Mr Bidner’s four-wheel drive which has been sent away for forensic testing.