A Wangaratta man charged with culpable driving causing the death of his cousin has been released on bail.
The Benalla Magistrates Court was told this morning that 23-year-old Rory Teiffel was driving with two male cousins and his younger brother in a car about 7pm on Easter Sunday, when he failed to navigate a right-hand bend on Greta Road, Wangaratta.
Police allege he lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speed, and a preliminary breath test indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.105.
The car allegedly crossed the road and a grassy verge before rolling in a paddock, coming to rest on its roof 160 metres from where Mr Teiffel lost control.
The driver's 26-year-old cousin, who was in the front passenger seat, died at the scene from major head trauma, while his 24-year-old cousin was seriously injured.
Mr Teiffel's cousins were brothers from Beaconsfield, south-east of Melbourne.
The driver's 16-year-old brother suffered life-threatening head injuries in the crash.
Mr Teiffel was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries under police guard, and was interviewed by police upon release.
He provided no comment.
The court heard Mr Teiffel is one of six siblings, and he was supported in court by his father, brother and other relatives, while his mother remains by his brother's bedside in a Melbourne hospital.
'Blatant disregard'
The court heard the accused had had his licence suspended for one month in 2018, after being caught driving at excessive speed. He had also been issued with two minor speed infringement notices.
Police opposed bail, arguing he had shown "blatant disregard" for the road rules and posed a risk to the community.
Mr Teiffel's defence argued he would require significant counselling in the months ahead, which would be more readily available on bail, and he could maintain his full-time employment constructing sheds with his older brother, who would drive him to work.
Mr Teiffel's brother Jay told the court that he would do his "utmost to be by his side", and prevent the accused from driving while on bail or discussing the matter with witnesses — such as their 16-year-old brother.
"I firmly believe it's had its impact on him," Jay Teiffel said of Rory.
He has been granted bail under the conditions that he is not allowed to drive or drink alcohol while on bail, he must surrender his passport, and inform police in advance of interstate travel for work.
The next court proceeding for the matter will be at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on September 7.
