Echuca’s Jake Cartledge fronts Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on dangerous driving causing death charges

An Echuca man who allegedly killed his girlfriend and a young boy in a horror smash near Echuca in January has fronted court.

The driver, a 23-year-old Echuca man, Jake Cartledge, allegedly killed his partner and a young boy in a horror smash just outside Echuca. Picture: Facebook

An Echuca man allegedly responsible for the death of his partner and a young boy in a horrific crash was represented by his lawyer in court.

Jake Cartledge, 23, had a hearing in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after being charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death, but did not appear in court.

Mr Cartledge was represented by his lawyer Zarah Garde-Wilson.

On January 14, Mr Cartledge was driving on the Murray Valley Highway before the car struck a tree, causing it to burst into flames near Mount Terrick Rd.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, Sheridan Coulthard, Mr Cartledge’s partner, and an 11-year-old Echuca boy died at the scene.

The hearing today was a push by the prosecution to have the committal mention date, initially set for May 29, to be pushed back to June 26.

Jake Cartledge (right), 23, allegedly drove a car which killed Sheridan Coulthard (left) and an 11-year-old boy near Echuca. Picture: Facebook

While the court heard Ms Garde-Wilson initially rejected the proposal, she accepted it today.

Magistrate Johanna Metcalf accepted the prosecution’s application, and extended Mr Cartledge’s bail until June 26.