Full Breakdown
18-Year-Old Driver Charged After Crash Injures Ten Newcastle Knights Fans
By Drooid · · How we work
Crash Overview
On the morning of October 3, police allege that 18-year-old Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe drove a BMW convertible onto the Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend, striking a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters who had gathered to wave the team off before the NRL grand final. The charge sheet states that his alleged dangerous driving began at 9:20 a.m., continued until 9:35 a.m., and that the vehicle left its lane and impacted the crowd at 9:29 a.m. Ten people were injured; two victims—a five-year-old girl and 67-year-old Dave “the Barber” Martin—were reported in critical condition.
Background and Context
Thousands of fans were assembled along the road to bid farewell to the Knights as the team prepared for the grand final. Video footage reviewed by police showed the BMW circling a roundabout moments before the impact, with onlookers shouting as the vehicle entered the crowd.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Samarasinghe was initially charged with nine offences, including three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and three counts of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. On October 13, a further eight offences were added—six counts of causing grievous bodily harm by misconduct, one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and one count of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm—bringing the total to 17 charges. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions elected to prosecute the matter, and his solicitor James Janke informed the court of this decision.
Bail Conditions and Ongoing Investigation
After six nights in custody, Samarasinghe was released on bail with strict conditions: surrender of his passport, daily police reporting, an 8 p.m. curfew, a prohibition on driving, riding electric bikes or scooters, sitting in a passenger seat, and a 20-kilometre exclusion zone around Newcastle. Police continue to review video evidence and have confirmed that Samarasinghe’s provisional licence had been suspended in February 2026, an appeal in April 2026 was unsuccessful, and the licence was suspended again following the crash.
Upcoming Court Dates
The case was adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for December 9, when Samarasinghe will again be excused from attending in person. The court will determine further proceedings at that time.