Alleged hit-run driver Jesse Reynolds denied bail over Marshall smash

An alleged hit-run driver asked to be released to stay with his grandfather, but police had concerns about access to guns, cars and a “network” of associates.

Jesse Reynolds

An alleged hit-run driver has been denied bail after asking to be released to live at his grandfather’s home in Whittington.

Jesse Reynolds, 24, appeared in Geelong Magistrates’ Court via videolink from custody on Tuesday.

He is facing 23 charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury following a smash on Barwarre Rd in Marshall on July 17, 2024 that left a 42-year-old woman in a critical condition.

Informant senior constable Xavier Elsworthy gave evidence outlining police’s opposition to bail.

Constable Elsworthy told the court he had concerns about the proposed bail address, including the presence of guns and it’s proximity to Mr Reynolds’ family home.

Constable Elsworthy said police were initially concerned Mr Reynolds was a flight risk, as he fled the scene and was only apprehended after a warrant was executed in August.

The scene of the accident on Barwarre Rd, Marshall. Picture: Brad Fleet

“The disposition of him wanting to hand himself in was not there,” he told the court.

Constable Elsworthy said police were concerned Mr Reynolds would have access to vehicles as his family home is nearby.

The proximity also meant he might also be close to a “network” he had relied on – “whether it’s friends or family or associates” – that helped him evade capture following the crash, Constable Elsworthy said.

The court heard Mr Reynolds called his father following the crash, and then switched his phone off.

Under cross-examination, it was put to Constable Elsworthy that there was no evidence of any “conspiracy” to assist Mr Reynolds or withhold his whereabouts following the crash.

Mr Reynolds’ grandfather then took to the stand, where he testified that he would ensure Reynolds “toe(d) the line” if released.

The scene of the accident on Barwarre Rd, Marshall. Picture: Brad Fleet

The court heard the 74-year-old was vice-president of the Werribee International Handgun Club, gave firearm safety courses to various police stations in Melbourne and kept handguns in a 200kg safe in his bedroom and longarms in a safe in another part of the house.

The longarm safe was bolted to the floor and would take “a dozen men” to move, the court heard; the guns were “as safe as someone could make them in the general community”.

Earlier, constable Elsworthy said police had no issue with Mr Reynolds’ grandfather or his personal ownership of firearms, just their presence at the proposed bail address for Mr Reynolds.

Mr Reynolds’ grandfather said he had a “really good reputation” and would make sure Mr Reynolds followed any bail conditions he was given.

“I’ve got a certain standard that I live up to … believe me, he will adhere to those rules and regulations,” he said, telling the court he would report Mr Reynolds to the police if he misbehaved.

“I wouldn’t want to jeopardise my integrity and I would do the right thing.”

Mr Reynolds’ lawyer also told the court that there were issues with the prosecution’s case, including a lack of statements and questioned whether the prosecution could prove elements of the charges.

However, magistrate Franz Holzer refused bail and Mr Reynolds will return to court in May for a committal mention.

Originally published as Alleged hit-run driver Jesse Reynolds denied bail over Marshall smash