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Byron Shire
November 9, 2026

Hit-run accused charged with drugged driving

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Police have increased the charges against a woman who they allege hit a four-year-old girl on Byron Bay’s Lighthouse Road on March 19, leaving her with a broken leg.

The three new charges relate to dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm while being under the influence of drugs.

Twenty-eight-year-old New Zealander Rakau Williams pleaded not guilty to the charges in Byron Bay Local Court yesterday.

It brings to a total of 15 the number of charges police have brought against Ms Williams over the matter.

Police allege her blue Volvo hit four-hear-old Rio Sims, who was walking along the road with her parents at the time of the accident.

The impact sent Rio down an embankment, breaking her leg.

Ms Williams allegedly fled the scene before police arrived and was arrested in Byron Bay the following day.

The girl was taken to Brisbane Children’s Hospital where she underwent surgery.

Ms Williams will appear in court again in May.



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