David Edward Blake to face trial over alleged hit and run which killed Mal Hackett

Wagga man David Edward Blake was charged following an investigation into the death of a man on Red Hill Road in 2019.

Mr Blake appeared in Wagga District Court on Friday and reaffirmed his plea of not guilty to failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.

Jessica Dawson, who appeared on behalf on the Director of Public Prosecutions, said she had been informed there "are a significant number of witnesses" but the parties are hopeful they can reduce the number by agreement.

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The trial is estimated to last five to seven days and solicitor Zac Tankard said at this point it would be a jury trial.

Just hours after leaving his daughter's engagement party on October 26, 2019 Mal Hackett was discovered by a passing motorist on the side of Red Hill Road at Glenfield Park.

The Riverina Police District worked with the Crash Investigations Unit in Sydney and charged Mr Blake with failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.

Police allege a Toyota Camry taxi being driven by Mr Blake hit Mr Hackett and he did not stop.

A date for the trial has not been set, but the matter will appear again before Wagga District Court on February 5 to resolve pre-trial issues.