John Ung, 55-year-old, suspect in an alleged hit-and-run that killed Harry Chandla, 31-year-old, in Sydney’s west has told the court that he did not know he ran over a man.
Mr Chandla, a trolley collector originally from India, has lived in Australia for 10 years.
The devastated family members of Mr Chandla described their lost loved one as a kind and loyal person. Speaking outside court, older brother Arman said he believed Mr Chandla was out with friends prior to being struck.
“It’s a big loss for my family, my sister and my mum and dad back in India, it’s just too much to handle at the moment. He’s really religious person, even the day before, about 5:30pm, he was in the Sikh temple.”
Mr Ung appeared via video call at Fairfield Local Court and his lawyer argued that the alleged victim was “highly intoxicated” and was “wearing dark clothing” when he was struck just before 3 am.
Barrister Steve Boland appearing for Mr Ung said that Mr Chandla had “made a decision” to lie down on the street when the incident occurred. News.com quoted Mr Boland:
“The deceased put himself in a position where he was, sadly, highly likely to be hit.”
The prosecution argued a “loud bang” could be heard in CCTV of the incident, however, this was disputed by Barrister Boland.
Mr Ung is facing four charges – dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving, failing to stop to assist after a vehicle impact causing death and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime – after being arrested by police.
Mr Ung was granted bail on the condition he put up $1000 suriety and report to Campbelltown Police Station daily. He also was released on the condition he surrender his passport, which is currently at the Chinese embassy.
Mr Ung’s case will return at Liverpool Local Court on May 2.
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