A driver involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of an 84-year-old man in Perth has been granted bail, insisting he didn’t realise he had hit anyone. The incident occurred on Thursday night when Francis Vella was struck at a pedestrian crossing on Herdsman Parade, just moments from his home in Wembley, where he was found lying on the road.
The driver, 44-year-old Michael Hadwiger, was apprehended by police at his Glendalough residence after officers located his blue Holden Cruze at a property in Craigie. Following the accident, locals remembered the victim fondly, noting his sweet nature and hinting at his loneliness following the departure of his sister, who had lived with him.
Hadwiger’s defence contends that he believed something was thrown at his car, prompting him to drive away in fear. However, police prosecutors opposed his bail, suggesting he may have been under the influence of alcohol from a nearby tavern at the time of the incident, which could have impaired his ability to control the vehicle.
Despite these concerns, Hadwiger was released on bail set at $10,000. The conditions of his bail include daily reporting to police, restrictions on leaving the state, and a future court appearance scheduled for three weeks.