Mother killed in car crash identified as her partner is charged with a string of driving offences
A mother-of-two killed in a car crash just days before her birthday has been identified as her partner is charged with an array of driving offences.
Justine Hammond, 42, was killed when the car she was a passenger in veered off the road, over an embankment, and crashed into a tree, on Lake Canobolas Road in Nashdale, near Orange in Central West NSW, about 6pm on February 9.
Emergency services declared Hammond dead at the scene, while her partner Rolong Stanley, 30, was allegedly found trapped behind the front driver’s seat.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He was cut out of the vehicle and airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Four days later, on what would have been Hammond’s 43rd birthday, police charged Stanley with five offences.
They include breaching an AVO (domestic), negligent driving occasioning death, and driving an unregistered car with a minor defect while disqualified.
Meanwhile, tributes have flowed online for Hammond, who worked for a local business that offers gardening and cleaning services for commercial and residential properties.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we want to let our community know that one of our amazing team members was taken from us on Sunday night.,” Snowgums property services said.
“We send our condolences to all of Justine’s family including her beautiful daughters.”
“We are all grieving from this huge loss. RIP Justine. We love you and miss you. Now and forever.”
A friend said she was extremely saddened by the news of Hammond’s death.
“Jussy was such a kind amazing warm hearted person,” she said.
Relatives have begun rallying to raise funds to bring Hammond’s body home to her native homeland, New Zealand, with a family member inviting friends to donate directly to her bank account.
Stanley faced Orange Local Court on Friday via video link, where he made no application for bail and it was formally refused.
He is next due to appear in the same court on 18 February.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
Originally published on 7NEWS
