Diesel Handley on bail when he killed Darrell Chepseba in horror Burwood East crash

A teenager on bail for violent offences lost his licence days before he ran a red light and killed a “dearly loved” son and brother in a horror Burwood East crash.

Diesel Handley was on bail when he struck and killed motorcyclist Darrell Chepseba.

A teenager on bail for violent offences lost his licence days before he ran a red light and killed 19-year-old disability support worker Darrell Chepseba in a horror Burwood East crash.

Diesel Handley, then aged 18, was unlicensed and driving an unregistered car when he crashed into and killed Mr Chepseba, on a motorbike, at the intersection of Middleborough Rd and Burwood Hwy on January 6, 2023.

Handley lost his learner permit for excessive speeding just three days before the crash.

The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to a single charge of culpable driving causing death in the County Court of Victoria on Friday.

Darrell Chepseba, 19, was killed in the crash.

Family of Mr Chepseba, born in Kenya, wept throughout the plea, in which the young man was described as a dearly loved son and brother.

His mother Rose Chepseba said she has been tormented by nightmares since her son’s death.

“Our bond was strong and I cherished every moment I spent with my son,” she said in a victim impact statement.

“His infectious smile had the power to lift my spirits and ease any stress of the day.”

“The loss of my son shattered my world … living without him is the most difficult path I’ve ever walked.”

Handley picked up his unregistered red 2000 Holden V6 Commodore Sedan from the impound shortly before the fatal smash.

The Holden had been “lowered” with its rear brakes disconnected and was without a front bumper or registration plates.

His family said Mr Chepseba had ‘an infectious’ smile.

In his record of interview, Handley took responsibility for the crash, telling police it was “his fault” and happened “because he ran a red light”.

Asked why he ran the red light, he told police “cause I was excited I just got me car back”, that he didn’t see the motorcyclist and “thought it was safe”.

The court heard Handley took cannabis the night before the crash but that he was not “under the influence” while driving and the drug did not contribute to the collision, nor did the unroadworthiness of his car.

Handley was arrested at the scene of the crash and is locked up at Fulham Correctional Centre.

The court heard he is remorseful for his actions and apologised to his victim’s family.

He will be sentenced at a later date.