Samandeep Singh had been behind bars since he was charged with culpable driving over the death of D’Arne (Dee) De Leo at an Eastlink freeway on-ramp in Wantirna earlier in January. Seven News reported he was granted bail by Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today so that his mental health can be assessed outside of custody.
Singh has also been charged with driving a motor vehicle in a manner that was dangerous to the public. He allegedly used his horn to try to alert other drivers that he was unable to stop his truck moments before the fatal crash. The accident happened on 12th January this year. First Constable De Leo was on her way to work when she was hit. She dies on the scene despite efforts of emergency services.
It is said that Samandeep Singh has expressed ‘considerable remorse’ and suicidal thoughts over the accident. After he was arrested, he had told officers to “just let me go, I’ll sort it out” which led them to believe that he may be having suicidal thoughts.
Police allege Singh, a subcontracted truck driver, knew the truck he was driving had a "severely degraded braking system". A witness had observed that the truck had difficulty stopping about five kilometers before the crash occurred.
"The accused was unable to stop the truck and ploughed into the motorcycle, killing the rider," Det Sgt Lawrence said.
"The accused knew or was aware ... the brakes on the truck were not in a safe condition."
Forensic mechanics later found the truck's brake system had degraded "over a significant period of time" and had heat stress and cracks in crucial operating parts.
Magistrate Jelena Popovic today questioned the charge against Singh which carries a baseline sentence of nine years.
"I don't know if culpable driving is the correct charge," she said.
Singh has been released on strict conditions after his fiancée told court she has a mental health plan in place. He has been asked to surrender his passport before he gets out of custody and is due to return to court on the 4th of May.
Anyone needing support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or multicultural Mental Health Australia on www.mmha.org.au
