Christopher John Little: Man accused of fleeing Spalding power pole crash, leaving passenger seriously injured

A Geraldton man accused of ploughing into a power pole with so much force that it split into two and then fleeing the scene, leaving a passenger with serious injuries, has been refused bail. Christopher John Little, 26, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody on Tuesday after a car crash in Spalding which left a male passenger with fractured limbs and spinal injuries. Police prosecutor Sgt Beau Jones told the court Mr Little was the driver of a white Holden Commodore station wagon with four passengers in the car about 5.15am on Monday. Mr Little allegedly drove erratically in Spalding before turning on to Drew Street at an unsafe speed. Sgt Jones said Mr Little lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wooden power pole. The collision was so forceful it caused the pole to split in two, leaving the top dangling from the live wires, the court was told. Sgt Jones said Mr Little fled the scene without helping his 25-year-old front seat passenger, who was rushed to hospital by St John WA and treated for multiple broken bones in his limbs, as well as spinal injuries. Mr Little was arrested and charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, failing to stop and ensure assistance and failing to report an incident causing grievous bodily harm. He is yet to enter pleas. The accused was on bail for assault, criminal damage and stealing charges, which he has pleaded not guilty to, and must show exceptional circumstances to receive bail again. Defence counsel Lauren Roycroft said Mr Little, who has limited memory of the incident, disagreed with the prosecution statement and claims he was not the driver. Ms Roycroft said the long wait for trial, his mental health and diagnosed schizophrenia should be taken into account. But Magistrate Matthew Walton refused bail due to the “egregious” nature of the allegations. “I’m not satisfied they are exceptional circumstances,” he said. The matter was adjourned for a committal mention date on December 12 and the 26-year-old was remanded in custody. Road Trauma Support WA 1300 004 814