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Boy actor James Rolleston appears in court on driving charges

The young star was involved in a horrific car crash in July.

Boy actor James Rolleston appeared in court this morning, facing charges of dangerous driving.

The 19-year-old was seriously injured on July 26, when the car he was travelling in crashed into a bridge in his hometown of Opotiki.

He appeared in court in the eastern Bay Of Plenty town, according to Fairfax, who reported Rolleston is charged with driving a vehicle at a speed that was dangerous to the public, thereby injuring Kaleb Maxwell, who was a passenger in the car at the time of the crash.

No plea was entered, and Rolleston, who was supported by his girlfriend, friends and family, will re-appear in February.

The Dark Horse star is facing a long period of recovery following the accident.

He made his first public appearance at an awards gala night last week, where he spoke about his injuries.

“So July this year, I was in a life changing car accident, crushing my lower body from the waist down and suffering from a traumatic brain injury which has affected my speech, my co-ordination skills, my decision making and my personality characteristics,” Rolleston said.

“It has been, and will continue to be, a long and challenging road to full recovery, but with all the love and support I have received, and having my family and friends by my side all the way, I have made a rapid recovery so far.”

In an interview with Fairfax, he went into further detail, including the numerous broken bones – he broke both legs, his pelvis and arm – and has metal rods in his legs and arms that won’t be removed.

He said he almost has his legs amputated below the knee.

“It was real touch and go there – I didn’t get told until much later. I lost so much bone from my legs, they were pretty much destroyed.”

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