A man accused of killing a cyclist in a hit-and-run crash at Lake Macquarie has faced court for the first time. Nathan Geoffrey Bunn, 40, is alleged to have been driving a Toyota FJ Cruiser that collided with a bicycle at Nords Wharf on December 14. The incident occurred just before 11am at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Awabakal Drive.
Bunn appeared at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, January 14, flanked by supporters and his defence solicitor, Drew Hamilton. He was not required to enter pleas to charges of dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact occasioning death.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will take over the case, which has been adjourned to Newcastle Local Court in March. Police will continue compiling a brief of evidence. Bunn, who was granted bail after his arrest, had his bail conditions continued.
The cyclist, 42-year-old Craig Leggett, a member of the Newcastle Triathlon Club, was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but died the following day. The Toyota FJ Cruiser allegedly failed to stop at the scene. Police from the Crash Investigation Unit arrested Bunn at a Branxton property on December 16 and seized the vehicle for forensic examination.
Newcastle Triathlon Club paid tribute to Leggett, known as 'Lego', saying his loss was deeply felt across the triathlon community. A GoFundMe page set up to support his young family has raised more than $97,000, with organisers describing him as 'one of the world's brightest lights' and a devoted family man.
