In a significant development for several high-profile cases, four men facing serious charges, including causing fatal crashes and manslaughter in the Illawarra region, will have their day in court much sooner than initially planned.
Judge Christine Mendes has vacated the original 2027 trial dates, relisting the matters for 2026 in a move that will see the cases moved from Wollongong to the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney to accommodate the earlier schedules.
Trials Moved to Ease Court Backlog
The accused individuals were initially facing lengthy waits, with their trials not listed to begin until 2027 due to a congested Wollongong District Court calendar for the coming year. The decision to bring the trials forward, however, comes with a geographical consequence for the proceedings.
The change of venue to Sydney's Downing Centre was a necessary step to secure earlier trial dates, ensuring these serious matters are heard without the previously anticipated multi-year delay.
Details of the Cases Facing Earlier Trial
Bulli Pass Truck Crash
Mosa Vaimalu, 41, has pleaded not guilty to charges of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. The charges stem from a collision on February 16, 2024, where a Hino truck he was allegedly driving crashed at the bottom of Bulli Pass.
The incident resulted in the death of passenger Mikaio Isaako, 43, and left Mr Isaako's brother Robert and a 40-year-old woman in another vehicle with life-threatening injuries. Vaimalu was also critically injured. His trial, originally set for July 2027, is now scheduled for August 2026 and is expected to run for 10 days.
Fatal Motorcycle Collision on M1
Daniel Robert Hardy will face a week-long trial in February 2026 concerning a crash on the M1 Princes Motorway at West Wollongong on November 10, 2024. Hardy is accused of dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death.
Police allege he crashed into a Triumph motorcycle, leading to the death of a 66-year-old motorcyclist who was thrown from his bike. Hardy is accused of leaving the scene following the fatal collision.
Manslaughter Charges Following Woman's Death
Kye Conlon and Braydon Hamilton are both charged with the manslaughter of Rachel Ayuso, a 30-year-old Illawarra mother, in June 2022. Ms Ayuso died after allegedly using heroin while on a night out with the men and others in Shellharbour.
The manslaughter charges are based on the allegation that Conlon and Hamilton were criminally negligent in failing to seek medical assistance for Ms Ayuso. Both men have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, and Conlon has also pleaded not guilty to supplying a prohibited drug.
Their joint trial, which was not due to start until April 2027, has been prioritised and will now begin in October 2026. Judge Mendes stated it was "unacceptable" for the matter to wait until 2027.
