17-year-old driver accused of killing William Taylor set free on bail again

A 17-year-old has been set free on bail for the second time since he was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car when it hit and killed a trainee doctor, despite going missing within 48 hours of his first release.

A teen driver who allegedly killed trainee doctor William Taylor has been freed on bail again, despite going missing within 48 hours of his first release.

The 17-year-old was bailed and rearrested within days after he failed to return home for two nights in breach of a curfew and missed a Youth Justice appointment which were part of his bail conditions over the fatal crash in Burwood on July 2.

On Monday, a Children’s Court Magistrate granted the boy bail for a second time, saying while it was “incredibly problematic” that he breached his bail so quickly, she did not think he posed an unacceptable risk of doing it again.

“You come before court with a demonstrated shocking history in relation to bail,” she said.

“You need to understand this is your last chance.”

Prosecutors opposed the boy’s release, saying he had been explicitly told about his bail obligations but breached them anyway.

Mr Taylor’s family described him as “a much-loved son, brother, partner and friend”. Picture: Victoria Police

The court previously heard the boy believed the conditions were too harsh and required him to stay at home while he was completing his VCE.

The prosecutor said the boy had not identified his alleged co-offenders and there were concerns he would associate with them if released.

Police also opposed the application, with Detective Lauren McNiece telling the court the boy had previously shown “no regard” for his bail conditions and significant resources were needed to locate him after he went missing.

But the boy’s lawyer said the prosecution case was not particularly strong and questions remained about the identity of the driver of the stolen car which ploughed into Mr Taylor’s vehicle.

He said the boy — who is a student at a Melbourne school — had witnessed a violent assault during his 20 days in custody which had a significant deterrent effect on him.

The court heard Youth Justice assessed the boy and found him suitable for a bail program and he would be attending school on a full-time basis if released.

The Magistrate granted bail with similar conditions to his first release, including that he reside with his mother, abide by a curfew, attend Youth Justice appointments, not associate with any co-accused and participate in judicial monitoring.

The teenager was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car which was travelling at 120km/h when it struck William Taylor’s Toyota Corolla. Picture: Nine News

Tributes at the Burwood intersection where Mr Taylor was killed. Picture: Mark Stewart

The boy was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen Jeep Cherokee which was travelling at 120km/h when it struck Mr Taylor’s Toyota Corolla as he turned on to Highbury Rd on the evening of July 2.

The Jeep crashed into a tree before the six occupants allegedly fled on foot.

Mr Taylor, 28, who was driving to soccer training, died at the scene.

His family described him as “a much-loved son, brother, partner and friend”.

The alleged driver was arrested at his family home the following night, before he was bailed later that week.

He was arrested again and remanded in custody after going missing for 52 hours in breach of his court-ordered curfew and for failing to attend a Youth Justice appointment.

Two alleged passengers from the Jeep, both girls, were arrested but three other male occupants are still on the run.

The court heard police had identified other alleged offenders but no arrests had been made.

The boy is charged with culpable and dangerous driving causing death, unlicensed driving, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop and render assistance.

He will return to court later this week for judicial monitoring.