Charges over hit and run
THE family of Michael Bowden is still heartbroken but relieved that police have laid charges over a fatal hit and run at Weipa.
Police are alleging that not only was the driver under the influence of drugs at the time he struck the 20- year- old on Northern Avenue about 3am on June 9, but he shouldn’t have been driving at all.
“We still have moments of how could this be real,” family member Denica Russ said.
“At the moment all the family is together and helping each other out until we get back home and try to get back to normal.
“I think that will be the hardest part, once all the dust settles and the reality sets in.”
A 25- year- old from the Weipa region will appear in court next month for driving without due care, failing to remain at an incident, driving between 11pm and 5am without a certificate of exemption and driving while under the influence of liquor or a drug.
“We’ve had many thoughts over the last week on what would happen and how long it would take …. The endless wondering, you think yourself in circles,” Ms Russ said.
“The police have been incredible; they’ve been working around the clock.”
Detective Acting Inspector Rob Campbell said police traced a vehicle that matched a description on CCTV footage and spoke with the owner. It is alleged the driver had feared coming forward but told police he was involved in the crash.