Joshua Knight charged over death of Ian Pullen, New Zealand firefighting pilot
An arrest comes just weeks after police made a public plea for information about the hit-and-run death of Ian Pullen, who had just arrived in Australia to help in the firefighting efforts.
Newcastle
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Hunter Valley detectives have charged a Singleton man over the death of New Zealand firefighting pilot Ian Pullen two years ago.
Joshua Knight, 29, was arrested at Newcastle police station about 10am on Wednesday before he was charged with murder, dangerous driving occasioning death and fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.
Mr Pullen, a 43-year-old father of three, was allegedly struck as he walked along Carrington St, Glenridding, near Singleton and was left to die on September 29, 2018.
He had arrived in the Hunter region to assist with bushfire efforts.
Since that day, there has been numerous public appeals for information from police and Mr Pullen’s family hoping to find the person or persons responsible.
On the eve of the second anniversary of his death, two weeks ago, Strike Force Awabakil investigators revealed they received an anonymous tip that several people were in the car that struck Mr Pullen.
Police said an anonymous caller told them the occupants returned to the scene of the hit-and-run after immediately taking off.
They asked for the caller to again come forward.
A $350,000 reward remains for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Dressed in prison greens, Mr Knight briefly appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.
His solicitor said there was no release application being made and asked for the matter to be adjourned.
Mr Knight was refused bail and will come back to court on December 10.
Mr Pullen’s family took to social media to thank the detectives for their dedication and hard work and long hours during the investigation.
“It won’t bring my son back but it is a relief,” Gillian Pullen said.
“Thank you to the two hard working Detectives.”