Bryan Hanns: Sea Lake farmer accused of killing police officer Dennis Cox arrested

A Sea Lake farmer accused of killing the town’s only police officer in a tragic crash was arrested in the last week after he “snapped” and went for a drive.

A Sea Lake farmer accused of killing the town’s only police officer in a tragic crash was arrested in the last week after he “snapped” and went for a drive, a court has heard.

On Friday Bryan Hanns, 58, pleaded not guilty in the Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court to culpable driving causing the death of Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox on November 12 last year.

The court heard Hanns had been on bail since he was charged in February but was arrested for getting behind the wheel during a mental health crisis when he told witnesses he knew he should not be driving.

He kept his head low as he was led into the courtroom by judicial officers past members of his family and the late officer’s family.

Magistrate Patrick Southeysaid his “extraordinary decision” to get behind the wheel endangered the public and was clearly indicative of his poor mental health.

“He‘s not some young man doing this in a flagrant disregard for the law,” he said.

The popular and well-loved cop was off-duty, cycling on Sea Lake-Lascelles Road about 8am when he was allegedly struck from behind by Mr Hanns’ car at about 80km/h.

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

On Thursday, the court heard Mr Hanns’ psychiatrist, Dr Ravindra Reddy, had raised concerns he was medically unfit to hold a licence with VicRoads – exactly six months before the alleged crash.

His office had reported he was possibly unfit to drive due to his mental state, prescribed medications, impaired judgement and poor eyesight.

In later consultations he said he believed Mr Hanns’ licence had been suspended, but did not follow this up with VicRoads or directly ask him.

Earlier, he had been advised not to drive until he had had cataract surgery by his GP, Dr Roslyn McCallum, after he was “nearly killed” in a tractor accident in June the previous year.

Mr Hanns had been contacted by VicRoads on May 15 requesting he produce specialist reports from his medical team or his licence would be disqualified.

The court heard he “cooperated fully” with the request, providing a document from his GP and psychiatrist but was in the process of securing a document from his occupational therapist when the alleged incident occurred.

Evidence from VicRoads indicated his licence was current but “under review” on November 12.

Sea Lake farmer Bryan Hanns has been charged with culpable driving causing death.

Defence lawyer Shane Gardner said an “administrative error” from Mr Hanns psychiatry team had impacted Dr McCallum’s ability to have a properly informed discussion with her patient.

Mr Gardner also argued there was a significant chance the police officer could not be seen because of the dark clothing he was wearing and the glare from the sun.

Dr Hardiman said his white cycling top would have been visible to Mr Hanns and she was unable to determine why there was no evidence of him breaking before the alleged collision.

Mr Hanns was remanded in custody amid concerns his mental state may cause him to reoffend.

He will next appear in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on December 16 for a bail application.