A MAN charged after a crash that killed a Tamworth mother says he can't afford a solicitor and wants to get his licence back.
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Chris McKinney appeared in Tamworth Local Court this week for the first time, after he was released from hospital, where he was recovering from serious leg injuries.
He is accused of causing the February 28 head-on collision, on the New England Highway near Bendemeer, that claimed the life of a 44-year-old mother-of-three.
Leaning on crutches and supported in court, McKinney had to travel from Berriwillock in Victoria for his court appearance on charges of dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.
"Can I get my licence back to drive in NSW because it's not always easy to get someone to bring me up?" McKinney told the court, confirming he wasn't represented by a solicitor.
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Magistrate Julie Soars said he needed to get legal representation; and the charges he was facing carried "an immediate suspension of your licence".
"I don't have the money to proceed," McKinney said.
The court heard he had been previously assisted by Legal Aid, but he had refused its services.
I've already been down that track ... I'm not prepared to sign a blank piece of paper for them to take my home from me.
- Accused Chris McKinny
"I've already been down that track," he said.
"I'm not prepared to sign a blank piece of paper for them to take my home from me."
Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe, who had previously appeared for McKinney in court, said her "hands are somewhat tied".
"He has had some advice and an offer of representation," she said.
"He has previously indicated he doesn't want Legal Aid representation."
He has had some advice and an offer of representation ... he has previously indicated he doesn't want Legal Aid representation.
- Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe
Police prosecutor, Sergeant Rob Baillie, said he had spoken to the officer-in-charge and police had served a "compliant brief".
McKinney said he had a copy of the brief.
"It was sent to me by mail," he told the court, leaning on a wall with his crutches at the back of the courtroom.
The case was adjourned for charge certification, where the DPP will consider the evidence and finalise the charges and its case against McKinney.
"There is no bail," Ms Soars said, adjourning the case to mid-October.
When asked if he could return to Tamworth court in October, McKinney said it wasn't easy to get to Tamworth from Victoria.
"It's all going to depend whether I can get a licence," he said.
Ms Soars has allowed McKinney to appear via video link from a local court on the NSW/Victorian border for his next court appearance.
Police allege McKinney was travelling in a Volkswagen SUV from Lismore to Victoria, and crossed to the northbound lane near Rocky Gully on the morning of February 28.
The 44-year-old woman was headed north from Tamworth when the southbound SUV and her Suzuki Swift collided head-on. She died at the scene.
The 62-year-old SUV driver was airlifted to hospital in Newcastle and spent months recovering from serious injuries.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
