Toowoomba police drag feet on Kyaharlem Hazard case, Heidi Riding fatal crash

A confused magistrate has pressed police to hand over missing evidence regarding an alleged stolen car crash that claimed the life of an 18-year-old girl almost a year ago on a suburban Toowoomba street.

Almost a year on from the tragic death of Heidi Riding, the case of the young man police allege caused her death, Kyaharlem Hazard, lags before the court as lawyers wait for police to hand over their dashcam footage, statements, and her autopsy report.

The case of a young man who police allege caused the death of his 18-year-old passenger and friend in a tragic crash in Toowoomba almost a year ago, is lagging before the courts as police drag their feet.

The driver of the alleged stolen car, then 19-year-old Kyaharlem Hazard, has been remanded in custody on a manslaughter charge since his arrest at the scene of the Newtown crash just after midnight on July 14, 2023.

His passenger, Heidi Riding was found dead dozens of metres away from where the car made impact with a tree and bench.

Growing up Heidi always loved riding motorbikes and going camping with her family.She was laid to rest on Monday, July 31, a few feet from her baby brother who died at birth, and her 28-year-old brother who had died from a medical condition.

Police officers arrived at the scene almost immediately, however at a press conference the following morning Acting Detective Inspector Damien Smith said officers were not actively pursuing the stolen car.

The person whose car was involved in the horrific crash, told News Corp Australia she allegedly left the car on the roadside after running out of fuel.

Skuse Graham Criminal Lawyers managing partner Claire Graham appeared on behalf of Mr Hazard when his charges were mentioned before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 6.

Initial police investigations indicate just after midnight on Friday morning an alleged stolen silver Holden Commodore was driving eastbound on Hursley Rd when it careened off the road and collided with trees near Tor St in Newtown.

The lawyer said she could not progress the case any further until outstanding material was disclosed, and noted Barrister Scott Lynch was consulted on whether or not an application needed to be submitted for the cross-examination of witnesses.

The court heard investigators had not provided Ms Riding’s autopsy report, the statements of four police officers, mapping data, and dashcam footage from police vehicles.

Ms Graham conceded there might be delays for the medical report, however the police officers should have provided their statements.

Recidivist Toowoomba property offender Kyaharlem Hazard has been remanded in custody since police charged him with manslaughter following a fatal car crash that claimed the life of his friend in July 2023.

Police prosecutor Nicholas Pratt told the court he sent an urgent email to the officer in charge for an ETA.

“Unfortunately I fall on my sword, they’re not here today,” he said.

“The brief has been coming in piecemeal, I think we’re up to version four now of the brief.”

Magistrate Mark Howden expressed confusion as to why, almost a year on from the crash, the material had not been provided.

“The statements… there shouldn’t be a delay for those really is there?” He questioned.

“Dashcam footage, I mean why would there be a delay for that?”

No explanation was provided to the police prosecution.

With the backing of Ms Graham, Mr Howden gave direction orders to the officer in charge to provide the statements by June 20, or at least an update on when they would be provided.

“I’m giving (them) a bit of an out there but we do need to know,” he said.

Following the crash, police charged Mr Hazard with the following charges; manslaughter, unlawful use of a car, and driving unclicenced.

The Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command was called in to investigate the incident.