Zachary Robert Kolm charged with manslaughter

A young driver had been drinking, was on drugs and reaching astonishing speeds the night he allegedly caused a crash which claimed the life of his 23-year-old mate, a court has heard.

Zachary Robert Kolm was granted bail when he appeared before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Wednesday, He faces charges of manslaughter, driving without a licence and driving an unregistered vehicle.

The driver of a car that crashed at Burnett Heads on August 5, killing Nicholas “Joel” Wright, was allegedly hitting speeds of more than 180km/h and was under the influence of alcohol and drugs the night of the crash, a Bundaberg court has heard.

Zachary Robert Kolm, 23, appeared before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Wednesday seeking bail while facing charges of manslaughter, driving without a licence and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Police prosecutor Andrew Powis told the court police would be alleging Mr Kolm had consumed the drug MDMA and a large quantity of alcohol on the night of the crash.

He said police allegedly had strong evidence of Mr Kolm driving dangerously before the crash, including video footage showing the car travelling more than 180km/h and GPS data showing speeds of 188 km/h.

Mr Kolm had shown contempt for road rules by deliberately going out to perform burnouts despite never having held a licence, and his car was mechanically unsound, the court heard.

The court heard police had strong evidence of Zachary Robert Kolm driving dangerously before the crash that killed Joel Wright, including video footage showing the car travelling more than 180km/h and GPS data showing speeds of 188km/h.

The prosecution opposed Mr Kolm’s bail application due to the risk to the community of his driving while on bail, and the risk that he would contact the surviving passengers to interfere with their evidence.

The court heard Mr Kolm was a suicide risk, with the prosecution submitting he would be at risk to himself if he was freed on bail.

Mr Kolm’s lawyer Gavin James proposed a range of bail conditions including a curfew, a low alcohol regimen and support for Mr Kolm’s medical and mental health needs.

Magistrate John McInnes granted bail with conditions he must live at a specific address between the hours of 7pm and 7am, not contact any prosecution witnesses (nine names were tendered by the prosecution) not go to any licensed premises and not having a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.05.

In addition, Mr Kolm is required to delete the contact details of any prosecution witnesses from all his devices and social media accounts.

Mr Kolm’s matter will next be heard at a committal mention hearing on October 31, at which he is not required to be present if he has legal representation.

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