Brendan Moreland death: Forensic order for Tristan James Watson granted

Police have applied for a special order against a driver charged over an alleged fatal hit and run that claimed the life of road worker Brendan Moreland.

Police have applied for a forensic order against a driver charged over an alleged hit and run that claimed the life of road worker Brendan Moreland.

The order will allow police to take DNA from Tristan James Watson, who is currently in Mackay watch-house following his arrest in late October, and compare it against samples in relation to the death of Mr Moreland.

Arrest footage of Tristan James Watson, the man charged over the allege fatal hit and run that claimed the life of Brendan Moreland

It is alleged he was driving a stolen car when he struck the 35 year old, who had been moving traffic cones on the Ron Camm Bridge at the end of his shift about 4am on October 26.

Bystanders tried to keep Mr Moreland alive performing CPR on the roadside but tragically he died at the scene.

Road worker Brendan Moreland was killed in a suspected hit and run on Ron Camm bridge in North Mackay on October 26, 2021. Picture: Facebook

A Toyota RAV4 with a damaged window was found at a Petrie St property about 5.30am that morning and seized by police.

On November 5 the Ron Camm Bridge was partially closed so loved ones of Mr Moreland could take part in a memorial walk in his honour.

Mr Watson is facing a raft of charges between October and November including dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Moreland, which had a maximum penalty of 14 years jail if convicted.

It is also alleged the 28 year old tried to escape police custody at Sarina on November 2.

Police found a stolen RAV4 believed to be involved in a hit and run on Ron Camm Bridge abandoned an hour later in East Mackay. Picture: Janessa Ekert, Lillian Watkins

Mackay Magistrates Court heard he was currently in Mackay watch-house.

During a brief mention on Wednesday afternoon prosecutor Harry Coburn said police were applying for a forensic procedure order, which Magistrates Bronwyn Hartigan signed.

“I order that his DNA be taken to make a comparison with any samples taken through forensic examination in respect of the death of Brendan Moreland,” Ms Hartigan said.

The case is adjourned until February.

Originally published as Brendan Moreland death: Forensic order for Tristan James Watson granted