Shaun Baensch pleads guilty to manslaughter of Bryce Trower killed in tragic hit-run

A Geelong man has admitted mowing down and killing a 31-year-old as he rode his e-scooter in Norlane last year in a death that shocked the city.

A Geelong man has admitted mowing down a 31-year-old as he rode his e-scooter in Norlane last year in a death that shocked the city.

Shaun Baensch, 30, appeared in the Supreme Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in relation to the hit-run killing of Bryce Trower.

Baensch was behind the wheel of a black Holden Rodeo when he fatally struck Mr Trower on December 12.

Bryce Trower, 31, was riding an e-scooter along Foster Road when he was hit and killed by Shaun Baensch.

An almost six-month long investigation eventually led police to the door of a Newcomb property in May where the killer was arrested.

A week earlier, police released CCTV footage in an attempt to solve Mr Trower’s death, which showed his harrowing final moments riding along Foster St with a black utility behind him.

Mr Trower’s older brother, Kyran, told a press conference in May his death had “destroyed” him, describing his sibling as a “kind hearted” man who cared deeply for his family and friends.

Mr Trower’s family members Kathleen Perry, Kyran Trower, Eric Trower, Kathryn Bongiovanni and Pauline Trower outside Corio Police station. Picture: Mark Wilson

The 31-year-old, who was on his way to meet a friend, died at the scene.

Baensch, who also pleaded guilty to failing to stop a motor vehicle after an accident, remains in custody.

He will next appear for a pre-sentencing hearing in the Supreme Court on August 29, where his counsel and the prosecution will make sentencing submissions.

Alongside manslaughter and failing to stop, Baensch was also charged by police with dangerous driving causing death and driving while disqualified.

The maximum sentence for manslaughter in Victoria is 25 years.

Originally published as Shaun Baensch pleads guilty to manslaughter of Bryce Trower killed in tragic hit-run