By DANIELLE GALVIN
THE family of a Garfield mother who was hit by a car last Tuesday afternoon have made an impassioned plea for the driver to turn herself into police.
Sixty-two-year-old Marianne Higgins was waiting on a footpath in Waterford Rise in Pakenham at 3.40pm when she was struck by a silver car that crossed over the median strip and mounted the kerb colliding with her.
Ms Higgins’ daughters Catherine and Angela Smallbone were horrified that the driver, a woman believed to be in her 40s, drove off after getting out of her car and having a conversation with their mum.
“I was really shocked I was actually supposed to be with her at the time but she sent me away to do some errands and when I got the news from a passerby that she’d been hit by this car I was furious,” Ms Smallbone said.
“At the time I didn’t know that the lady had driven off but when I did find out… I just can’t fathom someone doing that unless there was something wrong with her.
“I just couldn’t do it myself, so I just couldn’t understand how someone else could do it and not find out that she’s ok – it’s just the right thing to do.”
Ms Higgins said she didn’t expect the woman to just drive off and leave her there with an injured leg.
“I heard a noise, I could hear a car,” she said.
“She was in tears and she was saying I’m sorry I’m sorry, she had a young child who was very upset.
“She just said she would move her car.”
The driver fled the scene before witnesses could write down her details.
The two children in the car were distressed at the incident and police have urged the woman to come forward and “set a good example” for her children.
Senior Constable Lisa Atkinson attended the incident and said police were investigating the circumstances of the hit-run and encouraged the driver to come forward.
“Obviously it will be a lot better for her if she comes forward now and speaks with us,” she said.
“With the description we’ve been given I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before someone can provide information regarding her identity.”
Sen Const Atkins implored the driver to come forward and tell her side of the story.
“It’s not the right thing to do , the right thing to do would be to stay and make sure the victim is ok and exchange details,” she said.
The children in the car included a girl in the front seat aged between six and seven-years-old and a boy in the back seat.
The vehicle is believed to be a silver Holden Commodore, possibly a 2007 model Calais.
A spokesperson from Victoria Police said no one had been charged in relation to the incident.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have any information that could assist in identifying the driver to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
