A Port Macquarie Magistrate has said "something needs to happen" in the case of the hit-and-run death of a man on Hastings River Drive last year.
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The case against Lewis Alfred Witsel, 64, was mentioned before Magistrate Georgina Darcy in Port Macquarie Local Court on Thursday, February 8.
The 64-year-old was excused from appearing and was instead represented by his lawyer Tas Tasdemir.
Witsel is charged with failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.
He was charged following the alleged hit-and-run accident on the pedestrian crossing on Hastings River Drive near Dixie Park on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 5.20pm.
It is alleged Witsel then left the scene before driving to his home in Stuarts Point.
Following inquiries, Witsel attended Port Macquarie Police Station on the morning of April 13, 2023 where he was arrested.
Court documents show Witsel allegedly "was driving a vehicle in a manner dangerous to another person" and "did negligently drive a motor vehicle... resulting in the death of David Curtis".
Mr Tasdemir said he had "received the facts" but that the case is "not ready for committal".
He asked for the case to be adjourned to February 22, which was granted.
Witsel's bail is set to continue under these conditions:
- He must reside at his home in Stuarts Point and spend each night at that address
- He can't leave his home between the hours of 10pm and 5am
- He must report to police at Macksville Police Station each day
- He is not to enter an international airport or other point of departure from Australia
- He is not to occupy the driver's seat of any motor vehicle
- He is not able to leave NSW
- He must agree to forfeit $7000 without security should he fail to appear in accordance with bail acknowledgement
- One acceptable person is to agree to forfeit $5000 if he fails to attend court
Magistrate Darcy said the 64-year-old "better be here" for the next court date if the case is to then progress to the committal stage of proceedings.
"... Expecting something to happen [on the next occasion]," she said.
