Arabic version: رفض الإفراج بكفالة لمتهم في حادث نيوكاسل

According to ABC News, Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, 18, has been refused bail after appearing in Newcastle Bail Court over a crash that allegedly injured 10 Newcastle Knights fans.

The Sydney teenager faces three counts each of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and causing bodily harm by misconduct. He did not apply for release before bail was formally refused. The court heard the most serious dangerous-driving offence carries a maximum jail term of seven years.

Thousands of people had lined Newcastle streets on Saturday morning to farewell the grand final-bound Knights when a car struck a crowd at a roundabout on Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend. Police allege Samarasinghe drove erratically before the crash. He was arrested at the scene, where police shielded him as members of the crowd allegedly turned on him and his passengers.

A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man who were critically injured are now in serious but stable conditions at John Hunter Hospital. Two other girls, aged five and two, a 31-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man remain stable in hospital. Four other people have been discharged.

The judge said Samarasinghe’s health required attention and endorsed a warrant for medical attention, noting this could include a mental health assessment. His case was adjourned until October 15.