Alleged fatal hit-and-run driver Jake Danby faces court for the first time
The court heard the 23-year-old’s father could be a witness in the case after the pair exchanged text messages following the incident in Wulagi earlier this month.
A driver who allegedly struck a pedestrian with his car and sent him flying up to 20m through the air has faced court for the first time charged with hit-and-run driving causing death.
Jake Phillip Danby, 23, fronted the Darwin Local Court on Tuesday to answer a string of charges which also include speeding and driving unlicensed in Wulagi on June 13.
Detective Acting Superintendent Brendan Lindner has previously said the 39-year-old pedestrian succumbed to his injuries at Royal Darwin Hospital last week, while another man was also injured when he was struck by the first man.
On Tuesday, Mr Danby told judge Tanya Fong Lim he was seeking legal aid funding and wanted to vary his bail conditions to live with his father in Humpty Doo.
Prosecutor Adele Peluso initially flagged concerns about the change of address but after taking further instructions told the court it was not opposed.
“The father will be a witness in this matter and there are some messages in the brief exchanged between the defendant and the father,” she said, before clarifying there was “no issue with the variation of bail”.
In adjourning the case for a directions hearing on August 14, Ms Fong Lim noted it was “actually contested at the moment”.
“There’s no criminal history, given that he has said he would reside at that address and he must notify police of any change of address, he’s doing that now,” she said.
“I would mark it as contested at the moment because you need to get some legal advice.
“I note that you’re making an application for legal aid so we will get you to appear on that day.”
