Bail varies for Sea Lake farmer Bryan Hanns accused of cop’s death

Concerns have been raised about the health of a farmer charged over the tragic death of a “much loved” police officer, a court heard.

A farmer charged over the tragic death of a “much loved” police officer in northwest Victoria has sought a variation to his bail on account of health concerns, a court has heard.

Bryan Hanns, 59, has pleaded not guilty to culpable and dangerous driving causing the death of Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox, 47, in Sea Lake on November 12, 2020.

He appeared in the County Court for a bail variation application on Tuesday, where his lawyer Shane Gardner asked for him to be allowed to leave his Sea Lake property to enter respite care under his NDIS plan and to fly domestically.

“Given his condition, flight risk is almost non-existent,” he said.

The town’s only cop was off-duty at the time, cycling on Sea Lake-Lascelles Rd about 8am, when he was allegedly struck from behind by Mr Hanns ute.

He died at the scene while Mr Hanns allegedly attempted to provide first aid.

Representing the prosecution, Damian Ellwood said both parties had come to an agreement on the bail variation.

The variation was granted and the matter was adjourned until February 10 by Judge George Georgiou.

He is now permitted to fly domestically and to leave his home for NDIS care, provided he notify police of the locations and times he will be away.

Constable Cox spent 12 years working with Victoria Police in the Western Division and was also based at Swan Hill police station during his career.

Community members have described him as a popular and much-loved figure in the small town.