Pedestrian charged with manslaughter over fatal crash in Darwin two years ago

Clifford Anthony Drover, now 49 years old, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal pedestrian incident that occurred on Darwin's Tiger Brennan Drive in February 2024. The police allege that Drover was also a pedestrian at the time of the crash. The 36-year-old victim died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle, while a 50-year-old driver stopped at the scene and tested positive for drugs.

Another individual, then aged 46, was also present at the scene and was subsequently arrested by police. The case has led to an extensive investigation, involving multiple police units across the Northern Territory, which culminated in today's arrest of the 49-year-old Drover. The charge was based on a "complex investigation and acting on recommendations from the Northern Territory Coroner and the Director of Public Prosecutions."

Drover is currently due to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court for a bail application on August 19. His defense lawyer, Jonathan Cooper from the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, indicated that Drover resides in Alice Springs but anticipates the matter will be contested. The court has adjourned the case until September 9 for a preliminary examination, with a separate bail application scheduled for the same date.