Youseffe Ramadan to stand trial for manslaughter of Ming Hui Zhao at Homebush West

The driver behind the wheel of a car which dragged, ran over and killed a 44-year-old in a residential street in Sydney’s Inner West has had a guilty plea rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The man behind the wheel of a car which dragged and ran over a 44-year-old man in a residential street in Sydney’s Inner West has had a guilty plea rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Youseffe Ramadan, 37, appeared in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday where his lawyer indicated he was willing to plead guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death after an incident which claimed the life of Ming Hui Zhao in October, 2023.

However, the DPP rejected the plea, signalling they were pressing to prosecute Ramadan on a charge of manslaughter which the Chester Hill man pleaded not guilty to.

Ramadan also pleaded not guilty to failing to stop and assist after the road incident causing death and stealing.

Court documents state about 8pm on October 27, 2023, Ramadan allegedly stole Mr Zhao’s iPhone 15 Pro in the Centenary Park Estate at Homebush West.

The fatal incident occurred in October, 2024, at Homebush West.

The documents state Mr Zhao tried to reach into Ramadan’s Mitsubishi Triton to grab the phone as the accused allegedly began to accelerate.

Documents state Mr Zhao held on to the ute for 10 to 15 metres before he lost grip, hit the ground and was rolled over by a rear wheel.

Emergency services rushed to the scene to assist Mr Zhao, however, he could not be revived.

Documents state Ramadan allegedly left the scene without stopping to assist Mr Zhao despite knowing he had hit him.

Following inquiries, police searched a home at Fuller St, Chester Hill, and arrested the accused two days later.

Ramadan, who is on bail, will face Sydney District Court later this month where will be arraigned and learn when he will stand trial.