Bryan Hanns: Sea Lake’s farmer accused of killing town’s cop to stand trial

The driver accused of killing Sea Lake’s “much-loved” cop has been released on bail despite trying to flee his farm during a “manic episode”.

A driver accused of killing Sea Lake’s “much-loved” police officer in a tragic crash has been committed to stand trial.

Bryan Hanns, 58, has pleaded not guilty to culpable driving causing the death of Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox on November 12 last year.

The town’s only cop was off-duty at the time, cycling on Sea Lake-Lascelles Road about 8am when he was allegedly struck from behind by Mr Hanns’ ute at about 80km/h.

Leading Senior Constable Dennis Cox.

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

Hanns was arrested again on December 7 after breaching his bail conditions during a “manic episode”, driving away from his farm on a quad bike. 

He had just had a fight with partner Lisa Stacey, and told a witness he knew he should not be driving.

The court heard Mr Hanns’ mental state had deteriorated to the point that his lawyers were unable to have “meaningful discussions” with him and progress the case.

Reissuing bail was opposed by prosecutor Damian Ellwood who questioned how the court could have confidence he would not offend given his fragile mental state.

Daughter, Mikaela Hanns, was called to give evidence, telling the court she would stay in Melbourne with her father for a month to get him admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

“I’ve spoken to multiple psychiatric hospitals to see if anyone could help him,” she said. “We have a psychiatric appointment on Thursday if he’s given bail.”

She promised she would prevent him from having access to a car and would ensure he continued to engage with his regular health professionals at Sea Lake.

Ms Stacey said she was installing lock boxes in all the vehicles on the farm to prevent Mr Hanns from driving once he had stabilised and returned.

Sea Lakes farmer Bryan Hanns has pleaded not guilty to culpable driving causing death.

Magistrate Patrick Southey said he was “as comfortable” as he could be with those conditions and granted bail.

On December 10, the court heard there was no evidence of speed or dangerous driving prior to the collision, but prosecutors argued the crash was caused by “negligence”.

Mr Hanns was committed for trial and will next appear in the Mildura County Court on February 22.