A COURT has heard there was an “element of intention” by a Tamworth man accused of running down a woman, after “bad blood” between families.
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In front of several of his family and friends, Steven James Blacklock was refused bail in Tamworth Local Court on Monday afternoon.
Magistrate Julie Soars said Blacklock was a potential flight risk because they were “serious offences” and “a custodial sentence is on the cards if he is found guilty”.
“On the police facts there is an element of intention behind the collision,” she said.
On the police facts there is an element of intention behind the collision.
- Magistrate Julie Soars
“It does appear to be a strong case.”
Police allege the 33-year-old drove a Hyundai sedan and veered to the right-hand side of Cole Road, striking a 26-year-old woman, near the intersection of Tingira Street just after dawn on Saturday.
He’s then alleged to have driven off from the scene, leaving the woman with severe lacerations to her face and neck and a suspected fractured pelvis.
The woman was rushed via ambulance to Tamworth hospital, where she remained on Monday.
Blacklock then allegedly handed himself into police shortly after, before the car was seized by investigators.
He’s facing charges of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) and fail to stop and assist causing GBH – both charges carry a maximum of seven years’ jail.
Ms Soars pointed to an unacceptable risk of “potential interference with witnesses” and said "in those circumstances, I have to refuse bail."
The court heard there appeared to be “some sort of family fued or bad blood”, in the lead-up to the incident.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Cynthia Donovan opposed bail, arguing Blacklock was a risk of failing to appear at court, the protection of the community was required from further offending and he could interfere with witnesses or the complainant.
“I strongly suggest that bail ought to be refused to protect the complainants,” she said, arguing it was a “strong case”.
“It appears it is more than a mere collision, it was an intentional collision.”
It appears it is more than a mere collision, it was an intentional collision.
- Police Prosecutor Sergeant Cynthia Donovan
Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) solicitor Troy McDougall said his client had “strong ties to the community”.
“We’re proposing an address in Moree to allow whatever bad blood there is to settle down,” he said, proposing several strict bail conditions including to stay away from Tamworth.
“I think we can mitigate those risks.
“It may assist in quelling any bad blood there is.”
Blacklock, who has been in custody since his arrest on Saturday, will remain in prison until the case returns to court in March.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
