Newcastle Knights crash: P-plate driver Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe refused bail

The 18-year-old P-plate driver accused of ploughing a BMW convertible into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters has been refused bail.

Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe did not apply for release during a brief court appearance on Sunday, where he faced nine charges, including three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. The court heard that the most serious charges carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

The crash on Saturday morning in Wallsend, Newcastle, left 10 people injured. Thousands of fans had lined the streets to cheer on the rugby league team as their bus prepared to leave for the NRL grand final in Sydney.

Instead of a celebration, the morning ended in disaster. A five-year-old girl was placed in an induced coma after suffering critical injuries. Hunter New England Local Health District chief executive Tracey McCosker said on Sunday that the girl's condition has since stabilised, though she remains in John Hunter Hospital along with five other victims.

Who was injured in the Wallsend incident?

Among those still hospitalised is Dave Martin, a well-known local barber. Mr Martin was struck after throwing himself in front of his two young granddaughters to protect them. He suffered multiple fractures in both legs and underwent eight hours of surgery, according to Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery.

Another injured fan, Chris Clancy, described the moment the car lost control on the wet road after stopping at a roundabout.

"The next thing, this car stops at the roundabout and then he just floored it on the wet ground, lost it," Mr Clancy said. "I honestly thought I was going to die. It just felt like slow motion." Mr Clancy suffered fractures to his spine, ribs, collarbone, and foot.

Who is driver Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe?

Court records show that Mr Samarasinghe was suspended from driving in February and unsuccessfully appealed against the suspension in April. His licence has been suspended again.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said officers are investigating reports that the 20-year-old BMW was being driven erratically before the crash. Videos posted to social media showed the vehicle, which had personalised plates, careering around the roundabout just before hitting the crowd.

What charges does the driver face?

The crash sparked immediate anger. Witnesses described a crowd turning on the driver and his two teenage passengers, aged 18 and 19, who were uninjured.

"The crowd grabbed the driver from the wreck and a scuffle began," witness Dean Liddell said, adding that a police officer intervened. "If the copper wasn't there, the driver would have had massive injuries as well."

The Knights' team bus was rerouted following the crash, and the players were informed before travelling. Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the community was devastated. "Yesterday we had our hearts ripped out," he said, noting that off-duty hospital staff had rushed in to help with the influx of casualties.

Mr Samarasinghe appeared in court via video link, wearing a t-shirt and handcuffs. The judge endorsed a warrant for him to receive a medical and mental health assessment while in custody. He is due back in court on 15 October.