While the Mullumbimby community is still grieving the loss of Tim Watkins, police say a man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, amongst other offences, after the hit-and-run on Sunday June 23.
Tim Watkins was only 22 years old when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle home along Wilsons Creek Road, Wilsons Creek at 12.45am.
He was found fatally injured on the roadside by a passing motorist who called emergency services, however he died at the scene.
At about 9.15am yesterday(20 August) a 51-year-old man handed himself in to Coffs Harbour Police Station and was arrested.
The man – who is from Wilsons Creek – was refused bail to face Coffs Harbour Local Court today.
A search warrant was executed at a home in Bellingen and a vehicle, mobile phone and car parts have been seized and taken for forensic examination.
Tweed/Byron Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Brendon Cullen, thanked the community for their assistance during the investigation.
‘I know the death of this young man has had a significant impact on his family and the local community,’ said Detective Chief Inspector Cullen.
‘Tweed/Byron detectives have worked extremely hard on this case and have received and processed a great deal of information throughout the investigation.
‘As a consequence, we now have a man to face court on very serious charges, and I thank everyone involved for their support and assistance,’ he said.
Tim’s family are understandably relieved but say it’s also quite surreal. The family says they are not ready to comment and have requested time and privacy to process the news.
Detectives from the Tweed/Byron Police District attended the Coffs Harbour station and charged the man with: Dangerous driving occasioning death; Negligent driving occasioning death; and, Fail to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death.
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