A MAN has suffered serious injuries after falling from a utility’s tray as the vehicle was driven in Bellbird on Saturday.
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The incident happened about 1.30am on Saturday as the Toyota Hilux was driven along Bell Street before turning right into Atkinson Street.
A man travelling on the tray, 23, fell onto the road.
Police said he suffered severe head injuries and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital, where he was in a critical condition.
Hunter crash investigators began an extensive inquiry at the scene, subjecting the 25-year-old driver to a roadside breath test.
After a positive reading, he was taken to Cessnock police station. Breath analysis allegedly returned a reading of 0.098.
The driver was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (DUI), dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (drive manner dangerous), cause bodily harm by misconduct, negligent driving, mid-range PCA and drive with passenger in/on part of vehicle not enclosed.
His licence was suspended and he received conditional bail to face court in Cessnock on June 20.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
