UPDATE: A police officer has been charged with negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm following a serious incident in South Kempsey early this morning. The officer, a sergeant with the Northern Region command, allegedly struck a 39-year-old woman while responding to an emergency call just before 2:20 AM on January 5, 2024.
The woman was immediately transported to Kempsey Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening leg and spinal injuries. She was later transferred to John Hunter Hospital for further medical care. Authorities have confirmed that a crime scene was established, and the Manning-Great Lakes Police District launched a critical incident investigation with support from the Crash Investigation Unit.
As the investigation proceeded, officials gathered evidence to determine the circumstances leading to the crash. On December 31, 2025, the officer received a court attendance notice and is scheduled to appear in Taree Local Court on February 10, 2026. The officer’s employment status is currently under review, raising questions about the accountability of law enforcement in similar situations.
This incident underscores the urgent need for rigorous scrutiny of police conduct, especially during emergency responses. The community is closely watching developments as the investigation unfolds, and the impact on local trust in law enforcement will be significant.
As details continue to emerge, residents are urged to stay informed and engage in discussions about road safety and police accountability. Follow for live updates as this story develops.
