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Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

Two men survive hinterland hit’n’run

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Two men have allegedly survived a hit and run in the Byron hinterland late last week, 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 on Friday.

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

Hit’n’run accused found in Mullum

Emergency services were reportedly called to a property on Fowlers Lane at Coorabell around 6.30 am Friday.

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 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 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.

He’s had bail refused pending a court appearance in Lismore Local Court on 20 May.



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