Mehdi Sameri hit-run accused fronts court

A tired driver had just stopped for a 7-Eleven coffee before allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and ploughing into a cyclist, killing a Taylors Lakes man, a court has heard.

Emergency services were called to the Melton Highway near McCubbin Drive in Taylors Lakes at 6.40am after reports of a collision between a vehicle and cyclist. Picture: Mark Stewart

A sleep-deprived driver stopped for coffee before allegedly nodding off behind the wheel, running a red light and killing a cyclist in Melbourne.

Mehdi Sameri, 20, is charged with a string of offences including culpable driving causing the death of 49-year-old Colin Waters at Taylors Lakes on July 24.

He was granted bail on Tuesday in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, which was told Sameri had stopped at a 7-Eleven for coffee about 6.30am and then fell asleep for one or two seconds on the way to his boss’ house.

Sameri allegedly kept driving before running a red light and ploughing into Mr Waters, who was thrown from his mountain bike and died at the scene. The young driver is accused of fleeing. He arrived at his employer’s place and when he told the boss what had happened, was driven back to the crash scene and then to a police station.

Colin Waters died in the crash.

The court heard Sameri is said to have told officers he’d fallen asleep or blacked out before hearing a loud bang and seeing the cyclist’s helmet hit the windscreen.

He allegedly said he didn’t stop because he panicked, was tired and had only slept for about five-and-a-half hours, and admitted he shouldn’t have continued driving after nodding off before the crash.

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Sameri was driving between 68 km/h and 78 km/h at the time of the crash, the court was told.

He faces six charges including dangerous driving causing death, careless driving, and failing to stop and render assistance.

The young man was granted bail on Tuesday under strict conditions, including providing a $20,000 surety.

He must also report to a police station weekly and cannot drive or leave Victoria.

He is expected back in court on October 17.