Bryan Hanns: Case delayed against Sea Lake driver accused of killing cop

A Sea Lake farmer charged with culpable driving after the tragic death of a cop in Victoria’s northwest has had his case delayed for a second time.

Sea Lake farmer Bryan Hanns appeared by video link at Mildura Magistrates’ Court.

A Sea Lake farmer charged with culpable driving after the tragic death of a cop in Victoria’s northwest will have to wait until he learns his fate after his case was delayed for a second time.

Bryan Hanns, 57, has been charged with culpable driving of a motor vehicle causing the death of Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox.

He appeared via video link at Mildura Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday where his committal hearing was delayed to return to Swan Hill Magistrate’s Court in December.

Hanns’ case was also delayed in July when prosecutors and Hanns’ defence asked for a two-month adjournment because audio and transcripts had not been received.

The court was told then that the audio being sought was from the cross-examination of two witnesses, which took place in June.

An Office of Public Prosecutions prosecutor said on the “current turnaround” the audio would not be available by the next committal mention date, in one month’s time.

But magistrate Michael Coghlan refused the long adjournment, saying it would not have enough regard for the fact someone had lost their life.

Mr Coghlan said it was important the information was provided in a timely manner.

“It seems to be there needs to be some priority made of this matter,” Mr Coghlan said at the time.

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.

He was off duty when he was allegedly struck by a car on the Sea Lake-Lascelles Road about 8am on November 12 last year.

Community members have described him as a popular and much-loved figure.