Bail refused for driver, 53, who allegedly fled fatal M4 crash
A Nigerian national accused of causing a “catastrophic” multi-vehicle pileup on the M4 that left Irish tradesman Francis Shanley, 36, dead faced court today for a string of charges including dangerous driving causing death, as the tradie’s fiancee expressed “shock and devastation” over his loss.
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The fiancee of a man killed in a multi-vehicle pile up on the M4 cannot put into words the “shock and devastation” she feels from her immeasurable loss.
Francis Shanley died while driving to work on Thursday morning when a truck hit his ute in a huge crash on the motorway at Mays Hill just before 6am.
The 36-year-old tradesman had moved to Australia from Ireland several years ago and last year proposed to his girlfriend, Broc Nicholson.
Following news the driver who allegedly caused the “catastrophic” crash had been charged and faced court on Saturday, Ms Nicholson paid an emotional tribute to her “beautiful Frankie”.
“I cannot put into words the shock and devastation I am currently feeling due to the death of my beautiful Frankie,” she said.
“But I am aware another driver has been charged this morning and is currently being held without bail.
“Our focus is solely on our beautiful Francis and remembering the fantastic man he was.
“Frankie was loved by hundreds of people across the world, and I am so grateful for the support system that has mobilised around me at this time.”
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Father-of-three Francis Omigie fronted Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday accused of causing the 11-vehicle crash that claimed Mr Shanley’s life and failing to stop and help.
Omigie allegedly evaded police for more than 24 hours after he swerved suddenly into the left lane on the M4 at the Church St off-ramp and forced the car behind him to stop.
That caused a multi-car pile up while Omigie drove on.
Omigie, who moved to Australia from Nigeria two years ago, was arrested at St Marys Police Station on Friday night.
The 53-year-old faced a string of charges including dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at an accident.
Prosecutor Scott Thomson told the court on Saturday that Omigie’s actions allegedly caused an “enormous collision with catastrophic results”.
“There would be no doubt that the offender knew what occurred,” he said.
What was more brazen, Mr Thomson said, was when police spoke to Omigie, who works part time as an electrical trade assistant, about his involvement in the crash, he denied the allegations.
However Omigie claimed he had mechanic problems and his intent was to
“change lanes”, his lawyer Eiad Diyab argued.
“He is quite distressed about the incident,” he said.
Mr Diyab offered a $1000 surety, daily reporting to police and to surrender Omigie’s passport in support of bail but it was denied.
Magistrate George Zdenkowski said the charges were extremely serious and would result in jail time if proven.
“A major concern for this court in relation to the issue of release is the failure of the applicant to stop to render assistance and to seek to evade authorities,” Mr Zdenkowski said.
That might reflect his attitude towards police and the court, he added.
Omigie’s bail application was denied and the case was adjourned to
Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Katy Orr said the driver allegedly responsible for the fatal M4 pileup was caught by police using dashcam footage.
“The Crash Investigation Unit worked tirelessly for two days to identify the driver,” Detective Inspector Katy Orr said.
“As a result of dashcam footage provided by witnesses after our appeal to members of the public, we were able to identify the registration number of the car involved and then contact that driver.”
Originally published as Bail refused for driver, 53, who allegedly fled fatal M4 crash
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