EXCLUSIVE
A traffic controller who was allegedly hit by a stolen car during a police chase has shared a photo of her gruesome injuries as she reveals she feels ‘lucky’ to be alive.
Bella Foot, 21, was working on Newcastle Road at Jesmond, in Newcastle, during the early hours of Wednesday when she was allegedly struck by a stolen Mercedes-Benz SUV about 2am.
She suffered pelvic injuries and was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition to undergo surgery.
Ms Foot shared a photo of her bleeding and scratched face as she laid in a hospital bed with a neck brace, in a confronting Instagram post on Wednesday night.
‘I lived b****es,’ she proclaimed. ‘No, but in all seriousness, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support.
‘I’ve very sore and off for surgery tonight. I have a shattered pelvis, a broken nose and a bleed on my lung, but I am so so lucky.
‘I was definitely being watched over this morning. Very grateful. Now just a long road to recovery ahead.’
Bella Foot, 21, was allegedly struck by a car in Newcastle on Wednesday
The incident allegedly occurred on Newcastle Road, Jesmond (pictured)
Bella Foot said she has a ‘long road to recovery ahead’
The accused driver, Tristan Robert McLaren, 30, was being pursued by cops after they launched a chase just moments earlier when the SUV, reported stolen from Salt Ash in Port Stephens, was spotted speeding, allege police.
He was arrested a short time later on Kiah Street and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he allegedly pulled a plastic bag containing almost $2000 worth of meth out of his backside during a police search.
Police will allege McLaren, from Killingworth, was unlicensed and on parole at the time of the collision.
He has been charged with eight offences, including driving with an expired licence, aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuit, stealing a motor vehicle, driving recklessly, causing a police pursuit and possessing drugs.
His matter was briefly heard before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, where it was adjourned for two weeks.
Ms Foot, who suffered several injuries, said she was very grateful to be alive
