After news of hit and run charges added to controversy faced by southern Alberta MLA Derek Fildebrandt, he announced his resignation from the United Conservative Party caucus – but the door for his return appears to be open.

Back in the summer of 2016, Fildebrandt was charged with damaging a motor vehicle and failing to notify the driver.

The ticket issued in this case states his red Ford F-150, one he had posted a photo of in the past, was the vehicle involved in the June 6, 2016 incident.

Hours after details of the ticket emerged Tuesday, he took to Facebook, and announced his resignation from the UCP caucus.

In the post, he said: “I have made honest mistakes…I accept responsibility, and am truly sorry.”

Fildebrandt also called out what he called “media controversy”, and said it was distracting from the work of the new party.

“I’m a flawed man, and I can do better.”

His resignation came following a challenging few days for the MLA.

First, news that Fildebrandt had rented out his taxpayer-subsidized apartment over the course of eight months while he wasn’t in Edmonton. Later, he admitted to signing off on some meal claims he shouldn’t have.

In both cases he apologized, and promised to pay all of the money back.

“He’s lost the public’s trust…and he needs to go sit in the penalty box for a while,” Chaldeans Mensah, political scientist at Macewan University said.

Interim UCP Leader Nathan Cooper issued a statement.

“If Derek can live up to the expectations he has outlined…there will be consideration for a future path for him back to the UCP caucus,” Cooper said.

CTV News also reached out to Brian Jean, who is running for the leadership of the UCP.

Jean’s statement said: “I want to thank Derek for his contribution to unity and for his work as finance critic for Wildrose and the UCP.”

As for the hit-and-run case, it’s alleged the incident took place in front of a downtown Edmonton apartment, but not the one Fildebrandt rented.

The Ethics Commissioner said all MLAs are required to bring forward any legal proceedings against them, but couldn’t confirm whether the office had been notified about this case, citing privacy rules.

Fildebrandt has appeared in court on this matter at least once, and chose to represent himself. He’s scheduled to appear in court again September 6.

With files from Dan Grummett