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Wollongong crash that allgedly killed boy, 12,

Wollongong crash that allgedly killed boy, 12, 2

‘Abhorrent’ teen driver with a long rap sheet sobs in court as he’s accused of leaving his 12-year-old mate to die after high speed smash

  • Holden Barina, allegedly driven by 17-year-old, struck a traffic light at Towradgi 
  • Police then found a boy, aged 12, with serious injuries at a house in Balgownie 
  • He was treated by paramedics and transferred to Wollongong Hospital but died
  • Accused driver wept in court as details of crash and criminal past were revealed 
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A teenage driver with a long criminal record who allegedly fled the scene of a high speed crash leaving his 12 year-old friend dying in the wreck was ‘abhorrent’ in his actions, a court has heard.

The 17-year-old – who can’t be named for legal reasons – sobbed as it was alleged he drove at high speed in a stolen Holden with two passengers in the car.

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Parramatta Children’s Court heard he then swerved towards oncoming traffic and slammed into a traffic light about 1.35am in Wollongong, south of Sydney.

The driver and another teen allegedly fled the accident scene at Towradgi, leaving his 12-year-old fatally-injured passenger behind in the wrecked Barina.

Wollongong crash that allgedly killed boy, 12, 3

The teenage driver with a long criminal record is accused of fleeing the scene of a high speed accident, leaving a dying 12 year old (pictured) inside the wrecked car

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The young boy somehow managed to drag himself out of the car and reach a house in the nearby suburb of Balgownie.

But he died soon after from critical injuries sustained in last Tuesday’s crash.

Police prosecutor Maya Obirek opposed bail and said the driver, who was arrested in Goulburn on Friday, showed a ‘callous disregard’, reported the Daily Telegraph.

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‘Two fled and left the 12-year-old old in a non-responsive state leaving him to die … the conduct was absolutely abhorrent,’ said Ms Obirek.

The court heard the 17-year-old driver has a significant criminal record including violent offences, domestic violence and driving stolen cars.

The driver and another teen fled the accident scene at Towradgi, leaving his fatally-injured passenger, 12, behind in the wrecked Barina, Parramatta Children's Court heard

The driver and another teen fled the accident scene at Towradgi, leaving his fatally-injured passenger, 12, behind in the wrecked Barina, Parramatta Children’s Court heard

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He was also the subject of a court order at the time of the crash. 

On Saturday the boy faced six charges including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and two separate counts of failing to stop and render assistance. 

Magistrate Paul Mulroney agreed to Ms Obirek’s request to deny bail, saying he had ‘no confidence’ the teenager would comply with bail terms.

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The magistrate also said there there was ‘a strong case’ to support the claim the 17-year-old was responsible for the 12-year-old’s death.

He was found seriously injured at a friend’s home in Balgownie, about 2am on Tuesday – half an hour after the stolen car smashed into the traffic light.

He was treated by paramedics and transferred to Wollongong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Pictured: emergency services at the scene of the crash after a Holden Barina ploughed into a traffic light in Towradgi about 1.35am on Tuesday

Pictured: emergency services at the scene of the crash after a Holden Barina ploughed into a traffic light in Towradgi about 1.35am on Tuesday

Detectives are also looking into whether the crash is related to a dangerous TikTok trend called ‘creepin’ while ya sleepin” – where young Australians film themselves committing serious crimes including stealing cars and driving at high speeds.

TikTok has confirmed it would remove videos containing the hashtag along with others including #blackoutchallenge where users hold their breath until they pass out.

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Friends and family have flocked online to remember the 12-year-old.

‘Love you my brah … we will see you soon, love you soo much rest easy my soulja my cuzz, rest in paradise,’ one wrote. 

‘We just need the closure right for what happen too you my little cuzz.’

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Another cousin posted ‘My heart is hurting, R.I.P little cuzzy taken way to soon. Our hearts are shattered,’ while the boy’s aunt wrote, ‘Rest easy in the dream time nephew. #forever12.’

Police rushed to the scene after officers at nearby Corrimal Police Station heard the crash, but the vehicle was empty by the time they arrived.

‘We’d appeal for anyone that might have social media content that would cover the incidents that’s happened this morning to come forward,’ NSW Police Detective Acting Inspector Jason Hogan said.

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‘We’re investigating all lines of inquiry and the social media line will be investigated too.’

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000. 

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