Teen driver accused of killing William Taylor faced theft charge in Children’s Court
The teen accused of killing Ashburton man William Taylor in an allegedly stolen car was on bail over theft charges when the fatal incident happened.
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The teen accused of killing Ashburton man William Taylor in an allegedly stolen car was on bail over theft charges when the fatal incident happened.
The teen, 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Children’s Court via videolink on Wednesday.
The court heard the teenager had previously been charged with stealing from a shop.
However, before this matter could be resolved, the teen was allegedly driving a stolen Jeep Cherokee that was travelling at 120km/h when it hit Mr Taylor’s Toyota Corolla as he turned onto Highbury Rd at Burwood on July 2.
The Jeep then crashed into a tree before its occupants allegedly fled on foot, as Mr Taylor, who was driving to soccer training, lay dying at the scene.
The teen was first granted bail on July 5, but allegedly disappeared from his home on July 7 before he was picked up and, a few days later, bailed once again.
The magistrate who granted the boy bail for a second time on July 29, said while it was “incredibly problematic” that he breached his bail so quickly, she did not think he posed an unacceptable risk of doing it again.
Two days after the fatal crash, it emerged the teenager had previously been on bail with restrictions including a curfew, but his bail was lifted in March.
The court previously heard that he was alleged to be the driver of the Jeep because phone data placed him near the scene and his white sneakers matched with CCTV footage of a youth exiting the driver’s side door.
But his defence lawyer said the prosecution case was not particularly strong and questions remained about the driver’s identity.
The boy has been charged with culpable and dangerous driving causing death, unlicensed driving, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop and render assistance.
The unrelated charge of stealing from a shop was adjourned on Wednesday so it could be brought before court with the other matters at a later date.
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