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Byron Shire
November 9, 2026

Tim Watkins’ killer sentenced

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Tim Watkins died on June 23 after being hit while riding his bicycle. Photo Facebook.

The man who killed a young man in a hit and run two years ago has been sentenced to jail for two years and eight months, with a non parole period of one years and seven months.

Stuart Charles Newman handed himself in to Coffs Harbour Police Station in August 2019 after fleeing from his Wilsons Creek home to Bellingen.

Tim Watkins, a popular young Mullumbimby footballer, was cycling home in the early hours of June 23, 2019, and was struck by Newman’s car in Wilsons Creek.

The Echo reported at the time that the 22-year-old died at the scene.

With time already served, Newman is eligible for parole on May 21, 2022. The Echo understands Newman spent six months in custody before being released on bail. He has also been disqualified from holding a drivers licences for three years.

The judgment was handed down by Judge Dina Yehia in the Downing Street Court.



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