Teen allegedly behind the wheel in fatal Burwood crash that killed William Taylor bailed

A 17-year-old boy allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car that killed an innocent motorist in Burwood has been freed on bail, as the victim’s heartbroken family spoke of their grief.

A 17-year-old boy allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car that killed an innocent motorist has been freed on bail.

The boy, a student at an elite Melbourne Catholic boys’ school, was allegedly unlicensed and among six teenagers in a stolen Jeep Cherokee which was travelling at speed and erratically when it struck and killed another driver William Taylor, 28, in Burwood on Tuesday night.

A children’s court magistrate on Friday granted the boy bail, saying there was “no admissible evidence” that he was in the stolen car, let alone the driver.

Police said they identified the boy through CCTV footage of a youth wearing white shoes and phone data which placed him close to the scene.

He was also allegedly filmed leaving a Glen Waverley petrol station without paying for fuel about six hours before the fatal crash.

But the magistrate said there were no eyewitnesses to the collision and he could not identify any of the offenders from CCTV stills.

“I’d have to say the case is weak, very weak,” he said.

“Just because he’s charged, doesn’t mean he’s guilty.”

He granted bail – which was opposed by Mr Taylor’s family – with conditions including he abide by a curfew from 7pm to 6am, not associate with any co-accused and not drive.

Tributes are flooding in for Burwood fatal hit-run victim William Taylor. Picture: Victoria Police

Mr Taylor, a much loved son, brother, partner and friend, was passionate about soccer. Picture: supplied

The magistrate also refused a prosecution application to physically examine the boy for any injuries he may have sustained in the crash.

Earlier, the boy’s lawyer said it was not “lost on anyone” that the charges – which include culpable driving causing death – were very serious but it was premature to remand his client given the “dearth of evidence” that he was behind the wheel.

He said remanding a child should be a last resort and bail conditions, such as a curfew, could be imposed to reduce any risk of reoffending.

The teen, he said, was enrolled at school on a full-time basis and maintained the support of his mother, who was in court to support him.

Detective Sergeant Peter Romanis told Friday’s hearing he believed the Jeep was travelling in excess of 100km/h when the crash occurred and the risk to the public was high if the boy were bailed.

He said the teen would likely have been bruised by his seatbelt from the impact of the crash.

The court heard the teen has no prior criminal history but did appear in court last year where he was placed on a diversion program.

Tributes at the scene of the crash. Picture: Mark Stewart

He was previously bailed by police but it was lifted in March.

Police believed the boy was still on bail at the time of the fatal crash, and officers checked on him about 10.40pm on Tuesday night to see if he was abiding by a court-ordered curfew, where they found him with a doona pulled up to his chin.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk on Thursday told the court the Jeep was stolen last week and used by three unidentified offenders – one wielding a machete – during an armed robbery of a smoke shop.

The detective said the Jeep was travelling at high speed when it crashed into Mr Taylor’s Toyota Corolla, which was turning right on to Highbury Rd about 7pm on Tuesday.

The crash was captured on dashcam footage with the Toyota spinning around and coming to rest against a fence.

The Jeep continued and crashed into a tree, before its six occupants allegedly fled on foot.

Senior Sergeant Von Tunk said witnesses described seeing three tall skinny youths running between cars and into parkland.

CPR was performed on Mr Taylor, from Ashburton, but he died at the scene.

The youths were allegedly seen pulling off latex gloves which were recovered by police.

Two of the girls allegedly involved in the crash were stopped by passers-by and one of them identified the boy as the driver of the stolen car, the court was told.

A large machete, vapes, perfumes and boxes of gloves were among the items allegedly found inside the stolen vehicle.

The growing memorial for crash victim William Taylor. Picture: Mark Stewart

Senior Sergeant Von Tunk said police believed the boy returned home and switched his phone off after the crash.

He said the teen was arrested on Wednesday night in Malvern East, with police seizing items including clothing and a phone hidden under a bed.

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.

Wearing a black jumper, he silently watched on from the dock.

Three unidentified male co-offenders remain on the run.

The boy will return to court later this year.

It comes as the bereaved family of Mr Taylor have been left “heartbroken” following the young man’s death on Tuesday night.

Having recently returned back to the country, the Taylor family said they were just trying to come to terms with Will’s death following the tragic two-car collision in Burwood.

“Will was a much loved son, brother, partner and friend,” their statement read.

“He was a quiet, intelligent and thoughtful young man who loved his sport.

The family have asked for privacy as they grieve their “devastating loss”.

A soccer ball has been left at the scene. Picture: Mark Stewart

Known for his passion for soccer, old friends and teammates from Will’s former club Ashburton United SC were among the many touching tributes shared on Thursday.

Will’s coach Daniel Puscasu said he was devastated upon learning of the young man’s death, adding he was a “beautiful person” who made everyone around him smile.

“Absolutely devastated with the passing of William Taylor, a former player that I’ve coached at Ashburton United in a tragic accident,” Mr Puscasu wrote to social media.

“Will was a beautiful person, shy and friendly and a joy to coach.”

Never shy of a challenge or a task, Will had been part of a championship winning side with the club back in 2018, nicknamed “Mr. Fix it” by his coaches.

“Rest in peace Wilba,” he continued.

“Thank you for all the great memories and beautiful moments we shared,” he wrote.

An Ashburton United SC scarf, among several floral tributes, was tied around a powerline at the corner of Warrigal Rd and Highbury Rd where Will’s body was found.

Mr Taylor played most recently for the Mount Waverley City Soccer Club, enjoying a successful season sitting second on the table.

The club said “Wilba” was a “genuine and kind person” who was an integral part of the club’s reserves and senior sides.

“Mount Waverley City Soccer Club would like to express our condolences to the family and girlfriend of Will Taylor,” a club statement to the Herald Sun said.

“We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing.

“Will was a genuine and kind person who will be sincerely missed by all who ever had the pleasure of meeting him.

“Rip Wilba, our friend and teammate.”