Jason Ruscoe charged over alleged hit-run fatal in Carrum Downs

A magistrate has slapped down an attempt to suppress the name of an accused hit-run driver after a horror crash in Carrum Downs left a beloved dad dead.

An accused hit-run driver has failed to have his name kept secret as he fronts court charged over the death of a beloved dad.

Jason Ruscoe, 30, was beamed into the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged over the fatal crash which claimed the life of father-of-four Timmy Rakei on Tuesday.

Mr Rakei, 44, was killed after he was struck by a red Holden ute while he and a colleague cordoned off a section of the road near the intersection of Lats Ave, Carrum Downs about 7.15am

Wearing a grey jumper, Mr Ruscoe dabbed at a large red cut on his left cheek – injuries his lawyer claimed he sustained during his arrest.

Mr Ruscoe was formally charged with a raft of offences including culpable driving causing death, drive in a manner dangerous causing death and negligently cause serious injury after more than 24 hours in police custody.

Defence lawyer, Karen Sheridan, told the court her client was suffering a number of physical injuries including head trauma and a possible concussion as a result of “being assaulted” at the time of his arrest on Thursday.

Timmy Rakei died in the Carrum Downs alleged hit-run.

A tribute to victim Timmy Rakei on a road construction vehicle.

Mr Ruscoe is on methadone, currently withdrawing from GHB, ice and alcohol and suffers depression and anxiety, Ms Sheridan said.

“He urgently needs to see a nurse,” she said.

Ms Sheridan urged Magistrate Andrew McKenna to suppress Mr Ruscoe’s name to protect the safety of his children and family and ensure a fair trial.

Mr McKenna slapped the application down immediately as a “misconceived submission”.

“There’s no substance whatsoever to it”.

“Why a right-thinking member of the community… should think the family of a mere suspect … could in someway be a target or vehicle for the expression for some community discontent is quite beyond me,” Mr McKenna said.

It comes as Mr Roscoe’s alleged accomplice fronted court hours earlier.

Ashley Powell, 25, appeared via videolink in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he was formally charged with five offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, driving while disqualified and being an accessory to prevent apprehension.

Prosecutor Sam Davison requested 14 weeks to prepare the brief of evidence – more than double the usual time given.

Mr Davison said the matter involved a significant investigation that was ongoing.

The court heard crime scene experts would soon begin reconstructing the fatal crash that killed Timmy Rakei, 44, of Bayswater on Tuesday and seriously injured his colleague, Shaun Kilmartin, 38, of Traralgon, who remains in hospital.

Both worked for traffic management company Altus Traffic.

DNA and forensic analysis of the scene and two vehicles will also be carried out.

Charge sheets released by the court allege Mr Powell “with the knowledge Jason Ruscoe had committed the offence of Culpable Driving” assisted Jason Ruscoe by impeding his apprehension.

It is alleged Mr Powell deliberately drove at office in a police vehicle who were attempting to intercept him, placing them in “danger of death”.

Mr Powell is also charged with dangerous driving after allegedly failing to stop despite being ordered to by police who were in pursuit.

Mr Powell, of Carrum Downs, made no application for bail and will return to court for a committal mention in April.