Nathan Bernhard trial: Senior Constable reveals ‘emotional’ details of police interview with accused
A South Coast man who allegedly ran over and killed two mates lying on a road told police he “didn’t see them”, before breaking down moments after the crash, a jury has heard.
The South Coast News
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A responding police officer has revealed the traumatic conversation he shared with a man moments after he allegedly drove over and killed two friends following a night of drinking and hanging out.
Senior Constable Kerry Thomas told a jury in Nowra District Court on Thursday of the “emotional” exchange he shared with Nathan Bernard, 27, shortly after the alleged fatal crash which killed Bobby Kelsall, 36, and Stephen Lippis, 41.
Bernhard is now facing a jury trial following the accusations he ran over the pair at Condie Crs, North Nowra, on the evening of May 31, 2023, as they lay on the road for unknown reasons.
He was charged with and has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and mid-range drink driving as a result.
Mr Thomas told the court on the second day of Bernhard’s trial that the accused was visibly shaken during the interview moments after the incident, and repeatedly said he did not see his friends when starting to drive his ute home.
“As I was leaving, they laid down on the middle of the road and I hit them,” Mr Thomas said Bernhard told him after his arrest that night.
“I f—king hit them. Why did they lay in the middle of the road?
“I just f —king killed two of my mates.”
The senior constable’s testimony came under examination in chief by Crown prosecutor David Coulton, who also questioned him about alleged admissions Bernhard made about drinking before driving.
Mr Thomas told the court Bernhard allegedly admitted to having “five or six beers” before getting behind the wheel.
Defence barrister Justine Hopper did not cross-examine Mr Thomas.
The examination of Mr Thomas followed opening statements on Wednesday, where the Crown told the jury they needed to determine if Bernhard’s alleged drinking or manner of driving caused the fatalities.
Bernhard’s trial before Judge Christopher O’Brien continues.
Got a story? Email tom.mcgann@news.com.au
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