Killarney Vale: Kristie Merrett charged over horror crash that left boy, 8, fighting for life
A woman has been charged with high range drink driving and possession of drugs after a devastating crash which left a young boy fighting for his life on the NSW Central Coast.
Kristie Fiona Anne Merrett, 51, appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday after being charged with seven offences related to the horrific collision.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Mort St and George Evans Rd in Killarney Vale at 12.45pm on Wednesday after a Lexus SUV and Toyota sedan collided.
An eight-year-old boy was trapped in the sedan by the crash and suffered serious head injuries.
Police were able to extract the boy from the car and he was treated by paramedics until an emergency helicopter arrived.
The eight-year-old was then airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
The 42-year-old female driver of the sedan suffered minor injuries which were treated at the scene by paramedics.
Ms Merrett, the driver of the SUV, was not injured during the crash and underwent mandatory testing.
Police allege she returned a positive reading for alcohol and recorded 0.197 during a second test at the station.
The alleged result is nearly four times the legal limit for blood alcohol content.
Police also claim the 51-year-old had an illegal drug in her possession at the time of the crash.
The Belligen resident has been charged with driving with a high range PCA, aggravated driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, two counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, causing bodily harm by misconduct when in charge of a motor vehicle and possessing a prohibited drug.
On Thursday, Ms Merrett was granted conditional bail in the Newcastle Local Court.
To comply with her bail conditions, she must report to police three times a week and abstain from alcohol or drugs.
Her driving licence was immediately suspended and she is prohibited from occupying the driver’s seat of a vehicle.
Ms Merrett will return to court on January 27.
Officers have established a crime scene which was forensically examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit. Inquires are still ongoing.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage which could aid the investigation is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
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