A NIGERIAN national and University of Newcastle nursing student is accused of deliberately swerving at a cyclist at Jesmond on Saturday night, dragging the woman under his car for about 30 metres before driving over her head, causing her helmet to crack, a court has heard.
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And then Abdulgafar Ayansina, 25, is alleged to have assaulted the two paramedics who responded to treat the critically injured woman before trying to steal the ambulance.
When the police arrived, Mr Ayansina, whose initial blood tests indicated he had amphetamine and cannabis in his system, allegedly tried to bite and kick the officers.
The woman, 23, a complete stranger to Mr Ayansina, suffered a broken pelvis, rib fractures and partial degloving of her left arm and was initially listed as being in a critical condition in intensive care.
Mr Ayansina, who is represented by solicitor Monica Wilson, appeared in Newcastle Local Court in handcuffs on Wednesday afternoon charged with eight offences, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He did not enter any pleas, but applied for bail with Ms Wilson proposing strict conditions, including a $2,000 surety, daily reporting and a condition that he not leave the house unless in the company of his girlfriend or her mother. Ms Wilson said Mr Ayansina had lived in Australia on a student visa since 2017, worked as a support worker and had no criminal history.
And she said a report from a mental health consultant who had spoken with Mr Ayansina showed possible evidence of a paranoid psychosis, meaning a defence of mental illness would need to be explored.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Lyn Palywoda opposed bail and said the offences were simply too serious and Mr Ayansina was looking at a jail term, regardless of his prior good character and unblemished criminal record.
"There is no indication he knew the victim whatsoever," Sergeant Palywoda said. "She is just a person riding along the roadway. "There is no indication there was any reason for it or any relationship whosoever before this incident."
Magistrate David Price said even if the prosecution could not ultimately prove intent, the blood tests that showed amphetamine and cannabis in Mr Ayansina's system and the witness accounts that had him stepping from the driver's seat immediately after the crash made the matter extremely serious.
Ultimately, he agreed with the prosecution and refused bail until February, saying, if released, Mr Ayansina posed an unacceptable risk of endangering the community.
The vehicle that was driven by the defendant has ridden over her head, causing the helmet to crack and split.
- Magistrate David Price said on Wednesday.
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