Woman hit by rollercoaster and left 'trapped in her own body' accused of theft

A woman who was struck by a rollercoaster in Australia and suffered serious injuries as a result is scheduled to appear in court this week following accusations of theft.

Shylah Rodden was hospitalised after she was hit by a rollercoaster at the Melbourne Royal Show in September, with her family describing the injuries she suffered as 'horrific'.

It was two months before she was declared to be in a stable condition, and her family said she was now 'trapped in her own body' and unable to speak.

Brought out of a medically induced coma in November, Shylah spent Christmas in hospital with her family saying she had a long road to recovery ahead of her as she was still unable to communicate with them.

It is believed Rodden stepped onto the rollercoaster track to retrieve her phone. She had been working at the show on the day she was struck by the Rebel Coaster carriage and was on a break with a friend when the collision occurred.

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Now, however, public documents show that she is supposed to be in court later this week after being accused of theft.

The Magistrate's Court of Victoria records show that Shylah is due to appear in court on Wednesday 11 January alongside her lawyers after being accused of theft.

The alleged incident occurred before she suffered the horrific injuries caused by being struck by a rollercoaster cart.

According to the Daily Mail her court hearing is likely to be adjourned as she currently cannot communicate.

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Shylah's family have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for the costs of her treatment and life following the horrific injuries.

While it initially failed to hit the $20,000 target, it has since managed to beat that goal and amass more than $27,000 which will go towards the cost of her rehabilitation, care and buying equipment she will need during her recovery.

People are continuing to donate to the fund which will help pay for changes that will need to be made around her home so she can live in it.

Shylah suffered injuries to her head, pelvis, arms, legs and back when she was hit by a cart from the Rebel Coaster ride and was flung nine metres into the air.

The Melbourne Royal Show said at the time that the ride was not malfunctioning and that the operator was experienced, with CEO Brad Jenkins describing it as a 'tragic accident'.