Mendo Vrskovski sentenced to three years behind bars over death of beloved cyclist Ben Fryer in Pascoe Vale

A tow truck driver who hit and killed a cyclist after failing to stop before going through a give-way sign has been sentenced over the “tragic death of a decent man”.

Ben Fryer was the victim of a fatal road incident after he was hit by a tow truck while on his bicycle. Picture: Supplied

A tow truck driver who hit and killed a Brunswick West cyclist in Pascoe Vale more than two years ago has been jailed for the “tragic death of a decent man”.

Mendo Vrskovski was sentenced on November 18 in the County Court to dangerous driving causing death, alongside two other summary offences.

A packed courtroom heard Vrskovski will spend three years in jail for the collision that killed beloved cyclist Ben Fryer, who was 43 at the time of the accident.

The court heard Vrskovski hit and killed Mr Fryer on April 12 in 2022, when he failed to stop at a give-way sign on Melville Rd in Pascoe Vale.

Driving his tow truck, Vrskovski collided with Mr Fryer and his bicycle, where he felt a bump, but “thought it was a traffic island”.

Memorial for Mr Fryer. Picture: Supplied

Mr Fryer and his bicycle were dragged beneath the tow truck for 12m before Vrskovski realised what happened and got out to try and help.

“The death of Mr Fryer was a horrible and tragic event – the tragic death of a decent man,” Judge Allen said.

“This is a case of serious inattention, of the most grave kind.”

The court heard Vrskovski had sought out mental health treatment for PTSD symptoms following the fatal crash, where he would “weep when explaining” what he’d done.

Judge Allen said he believed Vrskovski’s remorse to be “genuine and deep”.

“You’ve experienced ongoing nightmares, flashbacks, shame and guilt – strong evidence that you’ve been crushed and broken”.

Mendo Vrskovski will spend three years behind bars for the death of Mr Fryer. Picture: Supplied

Judge Allen said he believed Vrskovski had “outstandingly good prospects for rehabilitation”.

“You’ve done everything you could have done to deal with the issues that may have in some way contributed to your offending,” he said.

“During the period of delay, you’ve not sat around feeling sorry for yourself – you’ve steadfastly refused to make excuses.”

Judge Allen sentenced Vrskovski with conviction to serve three years behind bars with a minimum 18 month non-parole period, and cancelled and disqualified his licence for 18 months.

He was also ordered to pay a $1000 fine for the summary offences before the court.