Man accused of fatal Sunshine Coast hit and run that killed Henry Jennings barred from leaving country

The man alleged to have killed university student Henry Jennings in a horror hit and run on New Year’s Day has fronted court for the first time.

The man alleged to have struck and killed a Sunshine Coast student with a car on New Year’s Day has appeared in court for the first time.

Andrea D’Onofrio was charged over the hit and run in Maroochydore that claimed the life of Henry Jennings, 21, earlier this year.

The 25-year-old covered his face from waiting media following his brief court appearance on Friday morning.

Mr D’Onofrio, who was born in Milan in Italy, has surrendered his passport and is banned from approaching international points of departure as part of his bail conditions.

Andrea D'Onofrio covered his face following his first court appearance for a charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and leaving the scene without obtaining help. Picture: Felicity Ripper

Police allege Mr Jennings was fatally struck by a Mazda sedan being driven by Mr D’Onofrio on Maroochy Boulevard about 1.30am on January 1.

It is further alleged Mr D’Onofrio left the scene before emergency services arrived.

He has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and leaving the scene of the incident without obtaining help.

Family and friends have paid tributes to Henry Jennings (pictured) in the weeks following his death.

Mr D’Onofrio, from Mooloolaba, did not speak when he attended Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday.

His lawyer, Luke De Michele, asked for an adjournment.

Mr D’Onofrio will return to court on March 19 for a committal mention and had his bail continued.

Under his bail conditions, he is not allowed to leave Australia and cannot approach any international terminal.

Tributes have flowed for Mr Jennings in the weeks since his death.

Sunshine Coast student Henry Jennings has been remembered as a ‘cheeky spirit’ with a ‘beautiful kind heart and sweet soul’ by family, friends and colleagues.

He had just finished his third year of business while studying at Kings College in St Lucia and had recently moved back to the Sunshine Coast when the tragedy struck.

Family and friends have remembered him for his “amazing smile” and sense of humour.