Collie man makes second court appearance over crash

A Collie man charged with pinning two women against the wall of the Crown Hotel as they left the venue after a night out, made a second brief appearance in court yesterday as one of the victims remains in a critical condition. Police allege Benjamin Lawrence Byrne-Quinn, a 33-year old business owner, reversed into 23-year old Georgia Moloney and 18-year old Alexis Tate in a Toyota Hilux ute just after 11pm on Thursday, pinning the pair against a wall of the hotel. Ms Moloney remains in a critical condition in the intensive care unit at Royal Perth Hospital, while Ms Tate was released from Bunbury Regional Hospital on Friday. Mr Byrne-Quinn has been charged with two counts of unlawful act or omission with intent to harm, one count of failing to stop and ensure assistance after an incident and one count of failing to report an incident in which property was damaged. He appeared before Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on Saturday where prosecutor Sen. Const. Karl Rep requested an adjournment given the possibility of upgraded charges, depending on Ms Moloney’s condition. Magistrate Richard Huston noted Mr Byrne-Quinn’s indicated guilty pleas on Saturday, which will make him eligible for the maximum discount on sentencing. He appeared again via video link yesterday, where it was revealed he had sought private legal counsel and the matter was adjourned until October 30. A stretch of Throssell Street between Steere Street and Mungalup Road, outside the Crown Hotel was closed for most of Friday as police forensics and major crash investigators scoured the area. Crown Hotel manager Harpreet Singh said everyone involved with the venue was shocked by the incident. “We are really shocked about what happened, nothing like this has happened here before,” he said. “We are just hoping for the best for the girls and we don’t know when we will open again yet.” In a Facebook post, clothing store Toscas Boutique, where both victims work, thanked the community for its support. “Lexi is doing great and Georgia is doing better than expected,” the post read. “Thank you for all the love, support, prayers and well wishes. “We are so extremely humbled by our family, friends, community and all of our beautiful Toscas customers.”