Trevor Manton, 30, was driving west along Corrimal Street on the morning of September 9 when he crashed into the rear of a stationary car waiting to turn into Burelli Street.

Police said the speed and impact of the crash knocked the victim out and pushed her car into the intersection, while Manton's vehicle crashed into the traffic lights.

Dashcam footage of the crash showed Manton exit the vehicle, grab a few items then run off, without helping the victim.

Emergency services arrived at the scene a short time later and the victim was transported to hospital with suspected spinal injures.

Meanwhile, police discovered a phone, gardening gloves, bandanna, black torch, screwdriver and two knives inside Manton's car.

He was arrested in Warilla two weeks later, at which time police discovered him in possession of another mobile phone.

On that phone, officers found text messages from the day of the crash, including one in which a friend asked Manton where he was.

Manton replied "I crashed the car....I fell asleep, it was hectic. My phone is in the car still n its happened at Macca's, right on the corner in Wollongong".

Two days later, the registered owner of the car sent Manton a message saying "can you bring the car please....my dad is in the hospital probably dying. I don't need to stress".

Manton replied "Bra, I crashed into a pole".

When spoken to by police after his arrest, Manton denied any involvement in the crash, claiming he'd been asleep in the backseat of his mother's car at the time.

Manton pleaded guilty to disqualified driving, causing bodily harm by misconduct (in a motor vehicle) and not giving particulars to others in Wollongong Local Court last week. He will face sentencing next month.