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Byron Shire
June 6, 2026

Two men survive hinterland hit-and-run

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Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

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Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

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Two men have allegedly survived a hit-and-run in the Byron hinterland last Friday, one of them also surviving a strangling.

Both men were taken to hospital, police said, one with critical injuries and the other with serious head injuries, after the early morning violence in Coorabell.

A 41-year-old man, Shaun Leonard Leitch, is due to face court in May, accused of two counts of wounding someone with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Hit-and-run accused found in Mullum

Emergency services were reportedly called to a property on Fowlers Lane at Coorabell around 6.30am on Friday, 20 March. Officers were told two people had been run over by a car, leaving a 54-year-old man trapped underneath.

Mr Leitch is alleged to have been behind the wheel but then to have gotten out and strangled the other man, a 38-year-old, before driving off.

Police say a passerby rendered first aid to both alleged victims until paramedics arrived, treating the 54-year old for significant facial and upper body injuries and the 38-year-old for head injuries.

The older man was taken to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition while the younger man was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital in a serious condition.

Police said they arrested Mr Leitch a short time later in Mullumbimby before taking him to Byron Bay Police Station and seizing the vehicle for forensic examination.

Bail was refused pending a court appearance in Lismore Local Court on 20 May.



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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

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Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

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Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

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