Alisha Fagan accused of fatal Sunshine West crash released on bail

A woman who allegedly struck and killed a Sunshine West grandfather has been released on bail despite a magistrate fearing she has an “addiction to driving cars”.

Accused killer driver Alisha Fagan, who allegedly struck and killed a much-loved Sunshine West grandfather, has been granted bail despite a magistrate fearing she had a “psychological addiction to driving cars when she shouldn’t be”.

Ms Fagan, 22, was released from prison despite strong opposition from police and the victim’s family, who feared “another family could end up in the same position”.

Sedat Hassan was left for dead when his Honda was allegedly hit by Ms Fagan’s Audi on the corner of Glengala Rd and Links St in the early hours of June 9.

Ms Fagan has denied she was driving the car at the time of the deadly crash, despite investigators revealing on Wednesday they allegedly found her DNA on the driver’s side airbag.

Clutching a large crucifix that hung around her neck, the former beauty student rocked back and forth and sobbed throughout the two-hour hearing in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Sunshine West grandfather Sedat Hassan was killed in the crash.

Ms Fagan was previously denied bail following her arrest at the crash scene, with Magistrate John Hardy saying at the time the risk was just “too high” that she would drive again if released into the community.

Ms Hardy repeated his concerns on Wednesday, saying: “The real worry I had and have, is she has some kind of psychological addiction to driving cars when she shouldn’t be”.

The court heard Ms Fagan had 13 outstanding matters, the vast majority of which related to alleged driving offences, at the time of the deadly crash.

The young woman was twice granted bail for driving at speeds of between 50-70km/h over the speed limit in a police pursuit, during which the Victoria Police Air Wing and stop sticks were deployed, the court heard.

“The motor vehicle use … is nothing short of appalling,” Mr Hardy said.

“The (June crash) was almost inevitable from her conduct,” he said.

Alisha Fagan sobbed throughout the court hearing.

But Mr Hardy found the risk Ms Fagan posed could be mitigated by her being released into a residential rehab facility.

“There is effectively no such thing as a risk-free release on bail,” Mr Hardy said.

“I have confidence in the (facility).”

Prosecutor Daniel White strongly opposed Ms Fagan’s release, saying she had “flouted just about every regulation of the state”.

“She continues to turn an eye to the orders of this court,” Mr White said.

“There’s an abundance of evidence … that she will do it again and if she does it again, the consequences could be catastrophic,” he said.

“Ultimately there’s one family grieving the loss of an innocent man and they don’t want another family in that position.”

Mr Hardy warned Ms Fagan if she abused the second chance she was being given, and breached bail again, she would be returned to prison.

“I understand and respect all conditions and I’ll comply with every single one of them,” Ms Fagan said from her cell at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

“I will prove it to you,” she said.

The matter will return to court in October.