- 21-year-old woman allegedly hit by car
- The car was allegedly stolen and was being pursued by police.
EXCLUSIVE
A traffic controller who was allegedly hit by a stolen car during a police chase has shared a photo of her horrific injuries as she reveals she feels “lucky” to be alive.
Bella Foot, 21, was working on Newcastle Road in Jesmond, Newcastle, during the early hours of Wednesday when she was allegedly hit by a stolen Mercedes-Benz SUV at around 2am.
She suffered pelvic injuries and was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition for surgery.
Ms Foot shared a photo of her bleeding and scratched face as she lay in a hospital bed in a neck brace, in a confrontational Instagram post on Wednesday night.
“I’ve been through hell,” she proclaimed. “No, but seriously, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support.”
“I’m in a lot of pain and I’m having surgery tonight. I have a shattered pelvis, a broken nose and a bleeding lung, but I’m very lucky.
“I was being monitored this morning and I’m very grateful. Now I just have a long road ahead of me to recover.”
Bella Foot, 21, was allegedly hit by a car in Newcastle on Wednesday
The incident allegedly occurred on Newcastle Road, Jesmond (pictured)
Bella Foot said she has a “long road to recovery ahead of her”
The accused driver, Tristan Robert McLaren, 30, was being pursued by police after they launched a chase moments earlier when the SUV, reported stolen from Salt Ash in Port Stephens, was seen speeding, police allege.
He was arrested a short time later on Kiah Street and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he allegedly pulled a plastic bag containing nearly $2,000 worth of methamphetamine from his backside during a police search.
Police will allege McLaren, of Killingworth, was unlicensed and on probation at the time of the collision.
He has been charged with eight offences including driving with an expired licence, aggravated dangerous driving occasioning serious bodily harm, fleeing a pursuit, stealing a motor vehicle, reckless driving, causing a police pursuit and drug possession.
His matter was heard briefly at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, where it was adjourned for two weeks.
Tristan Robert McLaren, 30 (pictured), was reportedly driving the car.
Ms Foot, who suffered multiple injuries, said she was very grateful to be alive.
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