WA cricketer faces court over alleged hit-and-run that seriously injured partner

A prominent Geraldton cricketer has faced court for the first time over an alleged hit-and-run which left his partner with serious injuries after being struck and dragged under a car. The 18-year-old woman was left with broken ribs and jaw and fractures to her shoulder and legs after she was allegedly struck by Brady Dermott Collins on Sunday night. Mr Collins, a 25-year-old landscaper, appeared from custody in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, being the driver involved in an incident causing grievous bodily harm, failing to report the incident and failing to stop. Police prosecutor Sergeant Ross Gray said the young woman left the Freemasons Hotel on Sunday night after an argument broke out between the pair. She attended her ex-boyfriend’s house when the 25-year-old man messaged her, telling her “he had her handbag.” The man is accused of driving to an address in Utakarra at 11.05pm, once outside he beeped his horn to draw the alleged victim out. The 18-year-old woman approached Mr Collins’ car, a Holden utility, and had a short conversation. She was holding onto the top of the driver’s side glass window when Mr Collins allegedly accelerated away, causing her to fall. She was then dragged under the car and Mr Collins is accused of driving over her and speeding off. The alleged victim received serious injuries and was flown to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the early hours of Monday morning for specialist medical treatment at Royal Perth Hospital. She is being treated for serious injuries to her ribs, jaw, shoulder and legs and remains in a serious but stable condition. Geraldton detectives seized the vehicle about 5.50am on Monday at an address in Spalding. Mr Collins was located, arrested and made admissions to the offences, the court was told. Sgt. Gray said the alleged victim requires wiring of her jaw and may not be able to walk for six months. Mr Collins, who plays for Towns, is currently tied for the lead for the A-grade cricketer of the year and shared the local cricket league’s highest individual award, the Doug Hogue medal, last season. Outlining an application for bail, defence lawyer Gregory Chin said the 25-year-old man had no record and strong ties to Geraldton, negating any flight risk. While Mr Collins’ family, who were in the back of the court supporting him, could provide surety for him. Sgt. Gray opposed bail, citing the serious nature of the charges and flight risk. Magistrate Angus Hockton agreed to grant bail, staying Mr Collins was unlikely to commit further offences and that conditions could be put in place to reduce the risk of interference with witnesses. “Bail doesn’t make the charge less serious,” Mr Hockton said. Mr Collins will undertake a personal bail of $5000, while a $5000 surety was also put in place. Under his bail conditions, he must report to Geraldton Police Station every day, surrender his passport and not contact the alleged victim. Mr Collins will reappear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on January 30.