Hayden James Raymond Grant: Alice and her mate were having the time of their lives backpacking around Australia when their dream adventure was suddenly cut short – now she’ll never make it home
Two French backpackers were traveling through Australia on their dream holiday, but that all changed in an instant.
The 23-year-old adventurers rode a Honda motorcycle to Jervis Bay, on the NSW south coast, on Sunday.
Police allege they were both thrown from their motorcycles at around 10pm after being hit by a truck in Dunmore, about 90km north of their destination.
Passenger Alice Roy tragically died at the scene, while her friend Laura Laborie was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Truck driver Hayden James Raymond Grant, 48, appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday where he was granted bail.
He has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, negligent driving causing death and causing bodily harm by misconduct. The Ulladulla man is yet to enter a plea.
Passenger Alice Roy (front) tragically died at the scene, while her friend Laura Laborie (rear) was taken to hospital with serious injuries
Mrs Roy (pictured) was thrown onto the road after a truck allegedly collided with the motorcycle
Police allege Grant was driving a rigid truck behind Ms Roy and Ms Laborie on the Princes Highway and collided with the rear of the backpacker’s motorcycle 1km south of the Shellharbour Road overpass.
It is further alleged that the truck ran over Ms Roy, causing ‘catastrophic injuries’.
Ms Laborie suffered injuries to her legs, back, arms and shoulder.
She was flown to St George Hospital, Sydney, in a serious condition.
After the incident, police questioned the truck driver and he allegedly said, “I don’t know, I saw the blonde go under the bull bar.”
Grant was taken to Shellharbour Hospital for mandatory tests before being taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station. His driver’s license was confiscated and suspended.
Laura Laborie suffered injuries to her legs, back, arms and shoulder. She was flown to St George Hospital, Sydney, in a serious condition
Supported by his family in court, Grant’s lawyer David McCallum requested the truck driver’s release.
Mr McCallum told the court that Mr Grant’s alleged behavior was ‘involuntary’.
The truck driver’s attorney said his client had strong ties to the community in which he had lived for the past 20 years.
Police prosecutor Dane Corran opposed bail, saying the offenses are serious and Grant is likely to be given full custody if found guilty.
Magistrate Claire Girotto responded by saying ‘certainly if convicted a custodial sentence is likely, but he has not yet been sentenced’.
“Bail is not intended to punish anyone, it is intended to reduce risk,” she said.
23-year-old French backpacker Alice Roy suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’
The magistrate granted bail to Mr Grant due to his limited criminal record, with the driver having not committed any offenses since 2012.
He must meet conditions that require him to report to the police twice a week and not to drive a vehicle.
The magistrate said she believes the circumstances will reduce the risk of Mr Grant offending again.
The case will return to court on March 20, 2024 and will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.