Accused bailed on driving charge

(Rebecca Hosking) 216931_01

By Luke Voogt

A Lovely Banks man has appeared in court over a crash that hospitalised an elderly Norlane man last Wednesday.

Damian Wangman, 33, appeared at Geelong Magistrates Court for a filing hearing today on a charge of dangerous driving causing injury.

Mr Wangman was driving an orange Holden sedan on Princes Highway last Wednesday when it crashed with a silver Ford sedan as it turned out of Surrey Street about 5.20pm.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives alleged Mr Wangman and a driver of a silver Holden wagon were travelling at high speed at the time.

The driver of the Ford, a 68-year-old Norlane man, suffered life-threating upper body injuries and an air ambulance took him to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

A Royal Melbourne Hospital spokesperson this week said the man’s condition had improved to stable.

Mr Wangman sustained minor injuries and paramedics took him to University Hospital Geelong.

Geelong Highway Patrol officers later interviewed him before charging him with dangerous driving causing injury.

Mr Wangman was bailed to appear again at Geelong Magistrates Court on February 5, 2021, for a committal mention.

Police have alleged the driver of the silver Holden failed to stop at the scene of the crash.

Luke Voogt