P-plater accused of driving into Newcastle Knights fans hit with extra charges
A P-plater accused of ploughing a BMW into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters and injuring 10 people has been hit with eight additional charges.
NSW Police said on Tuesday night that the teenager faces extra charges following investigations into the October 3 crash at Wallsend, west of Newcastle.
Indika Samarasinghe, 18, is accused of being behind the wheel when a car slammed into a crowd of people in Newcastle. Supplied
Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, from Randwick, was granted bail last week after spending six nights in custody.
The new charges include dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and six counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct while in charge of a motor vehicle.
Police allege the 18-year-old was driving a BMW when it struck people gathered near the Transfield Drive roundabout on Newcastle Link Road about 9.30am.
The crowd had gathered to farewell the Newcastle Knights team bus ahead of the NRL grand final the following day.
Ten people were injured and treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.
Ten people were injured and treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. Nine
Those hurt included a five-year-old girl, while three people remained in hospital in a stable condition several days after the crash.
Samarasinghe appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Friday seeking release from custody, with Judge Trevor Khan granting bail under strict conditions.
He has been banned from driving or occupying the driver’s seat of a vehicle and must remain at home between 8pm and 7am.
During the day, he can only leave home with one of two approved people.
The teenager must also report to police daily, surrender his passport and abstain from drugs and alcohol.
He is barred from entering the Newcastle area unless he is attending court.
Police said the further charges followed ongoing investigations into the crash.
Samarasinghe has not yet been required to enter pleas and is due to return to Newcastle Local Court on October 15.
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