CCTV footage of what was involved in the Fairy Meadow hit-and-run has been released and police are appealing for the ‘brave’ driver to come forward

Police have released new surveillance footage showing a ute they believe was involved in a hit-and-run that left a pedestrian in the middle of the road with serious injuries.

Antonio Spano was returning home from a driving lesson with his son shortly before 9pm on October 16 when he crossed the Daisy Street crosswalk onto Princes Highway in Fairy Meadow.

He was hit by a car that drove off, leaving him with serious chest and head injuries.

Six weeks after the collision, police released new footage of the utility in hopes of catching the driver.

A policeman in full uniform stands on the street with a solemn look. — Detective Chief Inspector Glenn Brodhead says the driver should come forward. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

The lead investigator, Chief Inspector Glenn Brodhead, strongly criticized the driver’s actions.

“The driver left the scene after the collision — that’s really poor driver behavior,” he said.

“It is senseless to leave an injured person on the road in a critical condition and rely on other bystanders to provide first aid.”

The second appeal for witnesses comes as Mr Spano’s family become increasingly desperate for answers.

His aunt, Silvana Repaci, says Mr. Spano is a caring family man.

“We’re asking anyone in the community who has any information to come forward — somebody has to know something,” she said.

“This has caused so much damage to our family and we are pleading with the person responsible or anyone who knows something to come forward to give our family some answers.”

A middle-aged man with a serious expression on his face. — Antonio Spano is rehabilitating in hospital, but his family fear he will need support for the rest of his life. (Delivered)

“Life-changing” injuries.

Mr Spano was rushed to Wollongong Hospital immediately after the collision and then airlifted to St George’s Hospital.

He has since been transferred to a Liverpool hospital where he is rehabilitating after suffering a serious brain injury.

“Tony has suffered a traumatic brain injury and now requires lifelong medical care,” Ms Repaci said.

Mr. Spano was the primary caregiver for his elderly mother.

Inspector Brodhead said it was in the driver’s best interest to come forward.

“It’s going to be life-changing — he’s going to need medical care for the rest of his life,” he said.

“It’s a terrible thing for anyone to do and it’s stupid of the driver of the car.”

White single-cab with four-wheel drive with metal tray and canvas canopy. — Police are appealing for information about this white, four-wheel-drive, single-cab vehicle with a metal tray and a green tarpaulin canopy. (Supplied by: NSW Police)

Police obtained new CCTV footage after speaking to several witnesses who saw the ute driving.

The vehicle is described as a white single-cab four-wheel-drive vehicle with a metal rear end and a green canvas canopy.

The incident happened 800 meters from the road where another pedestrian was hit and killed in a supermarket in April 2023.

Police have urged anyone with CCTV footage, dash cams or information to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.