Magistrate tells e-bike rider Jacob Charleston ‘it is absolutely vital you comply with these bail conditions to the letter’

An e-bike rider charged over a Hastings crash that left a 69-year-old man dead has been given a stern warning by a magistrate after a court heard he was hooning at 80km/h and had meth in his system at the time of the smash.

Police inspecting Jacob Charleston’s e-bike after the crash in Hastings. Picture: 9News

A man accused of mowing down a pedestrian with an illegally modified e-bike allegedly told his girlfriend to “get the bike away before the cops come” moments after the fatal collision.

Jacob Charleston, 24, was granted bail in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing charges including dangerous driving causing death after allegedly striking and killing 69-year-old William Lothian in Hastings on May 12.

Mr Charleston, who appeared in court with a broken arm in a sling, was allegedly unlicensed and had methamphetamine in his system when his modified push bike — fitted with an illegal 5000-watt motor — ploughed into Mr Lothian at up to 80km/h as he crossed Frankston-Flinders Rd about 6.40pm.

Mr Charleston allegedly asked his girlfriend to ‘get the bike away before the cops come’. Picture: 3AW

Opposing bail, Senior Constable Dale Stewart told the court good Samaritans who stopped to help overheard Mr Charleston on the phone to his girlfriend.

“I’ve broken my arm,” he allegedly told her.

“Get down here quick and get the bike away before the cops come.”

The court heard another driver described seeing a “dark figure” with no lights “flying towards” her in the middle of the road shortly before the crash.

“I was going about 65km/h and he was definitely going faster than me,” she allegedly told police.

Mr Lothian was thrown into a ditch and airlifted to hospital, where he died the following day.

Sen Con Stewart said Mr Charleston, who was also hospitalised, later tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines.

He said the motor installed on Mr Charleston’s unregistered bike was the most powerful on the market and police were concerned he would continue to use drugs and drive if released.

The court heard Mr Charleston had previously been caught riding a motorbike while using meth and had a history of failing to answer bail.

“Police believe no bail conditions can reduce the risk to an acceptable level,” Sen Con Stewart said.

Defence lawyer Brett Barratt said his client’s driving priors were low level and that his age, along with delays to his case, warranted the granting of bail.

Mr Charleston’s mother gave evidence, telling the court she would monitor her son and report any breaches of bail to police.

Magistrate Michelle Hodgson granted bail after finding there were compelling circumstances, but issued a stern warning.

“You have got bail by the thinnest of margins,” she said.

“It is absolutely vital you comply with these bail conditions to the letter.”

As part of his bail, Mr Charleston must abide by a curfew, report to police, and attend a support program.

He will return to court later this year.

Originally published as Magistrate tells e-bike rider Jacob Charleston ‘it is absolutely vital you comply with these bail conditions to the letter’