ADAM Andrew Bidner, accused of hitting a rival scrap metal collector with his car and leaving him for dead inside the Cessnock waste management facility last month, has had his charges upgraded to murder.
Detectives say Mr Bidner, 30, of Rawson Street, Aberdare, and Shane Mears were known to each other and claim Mr Bidner used his Toyota Landcruiser to run down the 54-year-old at the waste management facility on Old Maitland Road on July 5.
And while Mr Mears lay dying from multiple critical injuries beside a large scrap heap in an isolated area of the facility, Mr Bidner is accused of fleeing the scene.
He was arrested at a property at Lovedale about 10.20am on July 8 and police say they seized a silver Toyota Landcruiser.
But on Thursday, detectives went to Parklea Correctional Centre and charged Mr Bidner with murder and aggravated break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence.
Police allege Mr Mears was struck and left for dead between 4.45pm and when he was discovered by his friend at 5.10pm.
But, according to court documents, Mr Bidner is also charged with refusing to disclose the identity of a driver or passenger of the Landcruiser between 1pm and 5.10pm.
Detectives say investigations are continuing.
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