A MAN accused of causing the crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl at Brandy Hill in February has appeared in court for the first time.
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Ene Eneliko, 42, of Warrigal Close, Brandy Hill, appeared in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail, and negligent driving occasioning death.
Mr Eneliko, who was represented by solicitor Lee Smith, did not enter any pleas and the matter was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court on May 23 where it will be prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Mr Eneliko, who works as a baker, is accused of being behind the wheel of a Toyota Prado that struck the 17-year-old girl about 7.25am on February 5.
The teenager was walking to the school bus stop, a few hundred metres from her home, when she was struck by the car.
NSW Ambulance paramedics were called and treated the girl, but she died at the scene, police said.
Mr Eneliko and his passengers were uninjured.
While Mr Eneliko was being taken to hospital for mandatory testing, the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit examined the scene.
Investigators charged Mr Eneliko later that day and he has remained on bail since.
His license was also suspended.
Mr Eneliko, who lives in the same street as the girl, was supported by a number of people in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday.
The girl’s parents were also in court to see the matter mentioned briefly.
