Kristy Armstrong: Man accused of running ex-wife off the road ‘unfit’ for trial after suffering serious injuries
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A man who allegedly drove his ex-wife off the road, instantly killing her and risking the lives of their two young children, remains in hospital almost three months later.
Troy Armstrong, 35, was charged with murder after his ex-wife Kristy Armstrong, 36, was killed in Molong, near Orange in central west NSW’s, on June 9.
His lawyer Drew Hamilton told Orange Local Court on Thursday his client had been deemed ‘unfit’ to appear on audio-visual link during the case mention.
Armstrong was airlifted to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital’s intensive care unit with critical brain and spinal injuries following the crash.
Police allege Armstrong purposely ran his ute into Kristy’s sedan while travelling at 140km/h following an argument at their children’s primary school.
Kristy Armstrong (above) was killed in a car crash in Molong after he ex-husband allegedly drove her off the road
Police allege Troy Armstrong hit Kristy’s sedan (above) while travelling at 140km/h following an argument between the former couple at their children’s school
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Speedy Street but were unable to revive Kristy.
She had taken out an Apprehended Violence Order against Armstrong just two weeks before her death.
Troy Armstrong (above) was left with severe brain and spinal injuries from the crash
Armstrong has been charged with Kristy’s murder and the attempted murder of their two daughters, who were in the back of her car.
Both children, aged eight and 13, were left with minor injuries from the crash.
They are now being cared for by their grandparents.
In a previous bail hearing, Mr Hamilton said part of Armstrong’s skull had to be removed and cannot walk or take himself to the toilet.
He argued Armstrong’s limited mobility meant he was of little threat to the community.
However, police prosecutor Carl Smith alleged Armstrong had made a number of violent threats before the crash, including a plan to drive himself into a tree.
He said Armstrong’s two daughters are afraid of him and would be distressed if he was freed on bail.
Armstrong (right) has been charged for the murder of Kristy Armstrong (left) and the attempted murder of their two children
‘(They) were terrified before this incident, they’re even more terrified now,’ Smith said.
‘He knew driving 140 km/h into a car of the likelihood that he’d be killing his wife, but anyone also in that motor vehicle.’
Armstrong’s case was adjourned until October 5.
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