Coffs Harbour man charged after allegedly striking boys on e-bike

A 78-year-old man has been charged following an incident in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, where he allegedly used his vehicle to strike two boys riding an e-bike. The incident occurred on a Saturday evening after a group of children, aged 11 and 12, reportedly engaged in ‘ding dong ditch’ by knocking on the man’s door and fleeing.

Police allege the man entered his vehicle, followed the children, mounted a gutter, and drove along a nature strip before crashing into the back of the e-bike. Witnesses reported the boys were thrown from the bike and dragged for approximately 15 to 20 metres. Both children were taken to the hospital for treatment but have since been discharged.

The man has been charged with predatory driving and knowingly driving a vehicle in a manner that menaces others. After an initial refusal of bail, he was granted conditional bail in court and is scheduled to return on September 23.