A driver accused of running over two neighbours who suffered fatal injuries has wept in court as a magistrate granted him bail.
Neighbours provided first aid to two men, aged 36 and 41, in North Nowra on Wednesday night after police said they had been run over by a utility.
Paramedics arrived and treated the two men but they died from their injuries at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, Nathan Bernhard, 27, faced Nowra Local Court today for a bail hearing after being charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a dangerous manner, negligent driving occasioning death and mid-range drink driving.
The court heard the Mr Bernhard and the two men had all consumed alcohol on Wednesday afternoon.
The court heard Mr Bernhard attempted to complete a three-point turn, during which he drove over the two men who were lying on the road at 7.15pm.
Police object to bail
Police prosecutor Ray Kingston said Mr Bernhard lived just 1.4 kilometres from Condie Avenue where the incident occurred.
He said Mr Bernhard had been drinking before he drove his car to the address, and there was "no need" to drive while he was under the influence.
Mr Kingston said Mr Bernhard's bail application should be rejected as Mr Bernhard had been caught high-range drink-driving in 2017 and later convicted.
The court heard Mr Bernhard also served two intensive correction orders for drug offences.
Defence lawyer Brett Ford told the court his client was a boilermaker with two kids who had lived in the area for a couple of years and had never previously been in custody.
Mr Ford said prior to the crash the deceased men had placed themselves in an unexpected position.
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie said the charges were most serious and there was a strong chance of a custodial sentence.
However, she told the court if bail was refused, Mr Bernhard would likely be in custody for a year before a trial.
"My view is that the community's concerns can be mitigated," Ms Beattie said.
Mr Bernhard was supported in court by his partner and his brother.
He cried as Ms Beattie granted him bail.
He was prohibited from driving as part of his bail conditions.
He is due to return to court in August.
