‘Not deliberate’: Darren Kirwood’s bail application continues after Winchelsea fatal

The driver charged after a Winchelsea crash that killed Deans Marsh woman Kylie Doak has fronted court again applying for bail, with his behaviour after the incident described as “unsettling”.

Darren Kirwood, 31, appeared before the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Friday supported by family and friends.

Investigators believe the Winchelsea crash that killed mother of three Kylie Doak and seriously injured her daughter was “not a deliberate act”.

Darren Kirwood, 31, appeared before the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Friday for the continuation of his bail application, after he was charged with culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death.

In a previous court appearance, the court was told Mr Kirwood, a senior Barwon Prison officer, was driving home from his best mate’s wedding.

He was allegedly swerving heavily before the crash on Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Rd before he hit Ms Doak’s car.

Deans Marsh woman Kylie Doak.

Police will allege he had a BAC of 0.116.

Detective Senior Constable Micheal Fowler gave further evidence and said the crash was “not a deliberate act” by Mr Kirwood.

“I do not believe this act would be replicated by the accused,” he said.

The court also heard evidence the police are gathering, including obtaining statements from witnesses who observed Mr Kirwood’s earlier driving, statements from emergency services and speaking to friends who were at the wedding.

Senior Constable Fowler said Mr Kirwood was “potentially a danger to himself,” citing body-worn camera footage from a police officer who rode in the ambulance with Kirwood from the crash site to the hospital.

“It makes for unsettling viewing,” he said.

The court heard throughout the 30 minute trip, Mr Kirwood could be seen yelling, screaming, asking the police officer to shoot him, asking paramedics to give him an overdose of morphine, attempting to strangle himself and punching himself in the head.

Mr Kirwood allegedly had to be handcuffed and continually sedated during the ambulance ride.

Senior Constable Fowler said the footage also showed Mr Kirwood saying he wished he had stayed at the wedding and did not drive.

One of the cars after the fatal Winchelsea smash on Saturday night.

Mr Kirwood’s wife, Honey Kirwood, who he is separated from, also gave evidence during the bail application.

“I am willing to do anything to support him,” Ms Kirwood said.

Mr Kirwood’s current partner was also in court, with other family and friends.

Ms Kirwood, who currently lives with Mr Kirwood and their son, said they have an amicable co-parenting relationship and remained close friends after the separation.

She also said she would be willing to have Mr Kirwood’s current partner move into their Mount Duneed home to support him.

Ms Doak’s brother also sat in court during the bail application.

Mr Kirwood’s defence lawyer Alex Good presented the Bail Safe program as an option for support and treatment for Mr Kirwood if he was to be released on bail.

The program is described as an intensive outpatient treatment for individuals on bail.

Magistrate Urfa Masood said Mr Kirwood would need to be assessed by Bail Safe and a representative would need to give evidence in court as to the suitability of the program.

The bail application was adjourned until March 20 for this to occur.

Mr Kirwood will stay in custody until this date.

Originally published as ‘Not deliberate’: Darren Kirwood’s bail application continues after Winchelsea fatal