A driver who alleged hit a pregnant woman before driving off has appeared before the court for the first time.
Stacy Salakowski, 43, from Seymour 110km north of Melbourne, appeared before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court after allegedly hitting a 31-week pregnant woman without stopping last year on Sydney Rd at Coburg.
The victim, Trudy, was left badly injured after the incident at about 10am on August 26, 2022, collapsing to the ground with a broken leg.
Ms Salakowski appeared on counts of reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving, failing to report an accident, and other offences stemming from the day.
Fortunately, Trudy’s unborn child was unharmed in the incident which was captured on CCTV.
Stacey Salakowski has been accused of allegedly hitting a pregnant woman, Trudy, on Coburg’s Sydney road last August
Ms Salakowski appeared before Broadmeadow’s Magistrate court in Melbourne Friday, April 21
Reporters outside the hearing flocked around Ms Salakowski as she was left the courthouse.
‘Did you hit that woman on Sydney Road? Did you leave that crash?’ she was asked, as Ms Salakowski remained silent.
Last August, Victorian police appealed to the public for answers in identifying the then-unconfirmed suspect, who was seen driving a red Ford hatchback.
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Police charged Ms Salakowski on October 4.
After the incident, Trudy said she was worried about her unborn daughter and automatically protected her stomach.
‘My baby could’ve died or even I could’ve died,’ Trudy told reporters during a press conference.
She spent three nights in hospital while doctors treated her broken leg.
The court was told prosecutors need more time to prepare the case against Ms Salakowski, who will now remain on bail until her next court appearance.
Ms Salakowski is yet to enter a plea.
Trudy was 31 weeks pregnant when she was allegedly hit by Ms Salakowski’s red hatchback
Prosecutors have asked for more time to build their case against Ms Salakowski, who has yet to enter a plea
