Timothy Werps: Teen pleads guilty to culpable driving over Bendigo crash that killed cricketer

A Bendigo teen charged over a crash that killed a talented cricketer has pleaded guilty.

Timothy Werps, 19, pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing the death of 16-year-old Jye Eiffert. Picture: Instagram

A Bendigo teen charged over a crash that killed a talented cricketer has pleaded guilty in court.

Timothy Werps, 19, pleaded guilty in Bendigo Magistrates’ Court to culpable driving over a crash at McCrae St on September 28, 2020, which killed his mate and injured another.

The court heard the P-plater, then 18, was driving a blue Holen Commodore when it lost control and crashed at 3.15am.

Werps’ friend Goornong teen Jye Eiffert, 16, died while Benjamin Turner, 18, was flown to Royal Melbourne in a serious condition.

Jye Eiffert, 16, died after the car he was travelling in crashed into a tree in 2020.

Werps was left with non-life threatening lower body injuries and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

After pleading guilty, his lawyer asked for Werps’ phone to be returned because it contained years of treasured photos.

“That sounds fair and civilised,” Magistrate Patrick Southey said.

On Wednesday, July 28, Werps pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death, negligent driving causing serious injury, and driving with more than one peer passenger while on a P1 probationary licence.

Werps will reappear in Ballarat County Court on September 20 to be sentenced.

His lawyer said Werps was on Youth Justice supervised bail, and asked to continue his weekly supervision program until his final appearance.

Mr Southey extended his bail.