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Hit-and-run Lankan in NZ loses name suppression battle

17 April 2015 10:48 am - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A Sri Lankan man, who allegedly hit a woman in the rental car he was driving then fled the scene, has lost his battle for name suppression.

Sri Lankan national 25, who is in New Zealand on a work permit, is charged with careless driving causing injury, making a false statement to police claiming a car had been willfully damaged and failing to stop and help after an accident.

Earlier this month, police released photos of a blue Suzuki Swift thathad been returned to a vehicle rental company bearing a large dent in the bonnet and a damaged windscreen.

Forensic examination of the car revealed that the vehicle had hit a person, who was expected to have a head injury, and police subsequently contacted the driver.

The suspect appeared in Auckland District Court on Wednesday and was given interim name suppression because of his parents' ill health.

Community Magistrate Janet Holmes gave him two days to produce documentary evidence to prove it but he came to court today empty-handed.
Suspect’s lawyer Sam Fernando said his client's parents knew about the charge and it was his work as front-of-house for a hotel that was the issue.

"The employer will probably take the attitude they can terminate his employment," Mr. Fernando said.

But Ms Holmes said there was no evidence that was the case and declined the application for continued suppression.

The victim of the alleged hit and run, Michele Foster-Chambers, was walking to meet a friend in Avondale when she crossed Great North Rd on March 29 when the alleged incident happened.
She told the New Zealand Herald she could not remember much about the collision but believed the car hit her legs, throwing her over the bonnet, and smashing her head into the windscreen before she landed on the road.

Slipping in and out of consciousness, Ms Foster-Chambers said she dragged herself to the side of the road where she was eventually picked up by a good Samaritan and taken home.

The suspect was remanded on bail after surrendering his passport.

He will be back in court to enter pleas to the charges next month.(The New Zealand Herald)

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  Comments - 16

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  • shaman Friday, 17 April 2015 06:10 PM

    Merciless coward. via DM Android App

    kumaraya Friday, 17 April 2015 06:24 PM

    What a disgrace! All that was needed was to be humane and assist the lady but the man decides to run!

    Shaul Friday, 17 April 2015 07:11 PM

    The culture of hit and run is an everyday phenomena on Sri Lankan roads. But it is a serious crime in New Zealand. Hope our Sri Lankan road warrior learns a good lesson.

    laankikiya Friday, 17 April 2015 07:53 PM

    Sri Lankan practice .Shame!

    gayan Friday, 17 April 2015 08:16 PM

    Initially May be he was afraid of the law

    de silva Friday, 17 April 2015 08:50 PM

    Typical srilankan.

    Maya Friday, 17 April 2015 08:57 PM

    Not stopping at the accident point is a crime in many countries but not in SL.Perhaps people try to attack the driver often given as an excuse to run away.

    TONY Friday, 17 April 2015 09:09 PM

    HE IS QUITE YOUNG TO GET INVOLVED IN SUCH CASES. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING SPECIALLY A RENTED VEHICLE

    Dee Friday, 17 April 2015 10:13 PM

    Thought these were not allowed in these countries due to emission issues? Can imagine the driver.

    duminda Saturday, 18 April 2015 03:26 AM

    These rascals go overseas and still have the same mentality that they can get away with crimes with the help of someone as they do in SWAZI Lanka. What they do not understand is LAW IS EQUAL TO EVERONE unlike in SWAZI LANKA

    Nims Saturday, 18 April 2015 05:05 AM

    "has lost his battle for name suppression" cant see his name though

    Daily News Saturday, 18 April 2015 05:50 AM

    what a shame in New Zealand and Australia people follow rules and they are honest the system here is excellent it is in our country that people are not genuine. via DM Android App

    cristo Saturday, 18 April 2015 01:29 PM

    I witnessed the same thing in Negombo ,saw the man get knocked down ,and the car speed off.i followed the car got his number but when I got back to the scene ,the man had gone.In Britain lIleaving the scene of the accident is a serious matter..the same should be enforced here,to hold people accoutable for their poor driving skills

    Lenski Saturday, 18 April 2015 06:36 PM

    No uncle or aunty to call and shape things up putha

    Dayawathie Sunday, 19 April 2015 04:31 AM

    If he was sent to jail, he will learn a very good lesson. He will be treated well and properly by the Maori brothers. There are plenty of them inside.

    Jeff Jansz Sunday, 19 April 2015 10:17 AM

    VIRAJ GOONESEKERA


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