Westport hit and run accused in court

The woman charged in connection with the hit and run which killed James Hill in Westport on Saturday has been remanded on bail to reappear next month.

Jessica Gwen McNelis, 21, of Cape Foulwind, appeared before a registrar today in the Westport District Court. She was remanded on bail without an official plea to March 25.

Her lawyer, Doug Taffs, indicated McNelis, a farmhand, would plead guilty to the charge of failing to stop and assist.

Police did not oppose bail as they wished to continue their forensic investigations. More charges are likely.

James Hill, 21, died early Saturday morning near the intersection of Rintoul and Peel streets.

His father, Colin Hill, wants to know what really happened. He said police could have communicated more with him. ``I ring them and they don't tell you anything.''

Instead he had resorted to listening to local rumour, and had read media reports there might have been a fight at the party his son had attended before he died.

``I'm starting to think, what happened? What's really happened?"

He reiterated his earlier comments that the accused did not deserve to be on bail.

Mr Hill knew McNelis' family, but said they had not apologised or sent a card.

He could not comprehend how any driver would not stop after hitting a person.

Mr Hill and his partner also have a young daughter and are expecting another child, a boy, in June.

- NZPA