Driver 'next level drunk' when he allegedly killed childhood friend on Victorian farm, court hears
A driver who allegedly hit and killed a father-of-two on a farm near Geelong over the weekend has been granted bail.
Shaun Bartlett, 42, apologised outside Geelong Magistrates Court today when he faced charges of culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death.
Bartlett is accused of hitting his childhood friend Justin Willman with his ute about 9.30pm on Saturday in a paddock at Bartlett's hobby farm off Fyansford-Gheringhap Road in Stonehaven.
Shaun Bartlett, wearing a black hat, apologised outside Geelong Magistrates Court today when he faced charges of culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death. Nine
It's alleged Bartlett reversed over his 52-year-old friend and drove off, crashing into several fence posts. 9News
A witness, who was with friends on the night, told the court that the pair were in good spirits and were "next level drunk" before Bartlett got behind the wheel to get more food and alcohol.
Bartlett had allegedly brought 12 stubbies and a bottle of rum.
The witness told the court that Bartlett appeared to be "struggling" with the manual gear stick.
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The driver from Stonehaven and 52-year-old Justin Willman (pictured), from nearby Bannockburn, had been friends before Willman was run over in a paddock outside Geelong on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Supplied
It's alleged Bartlett reversed over his 52-year-old friend and drove off, crashing into several fence posts before he was found by police.
He admitted to police he was driving but said he couldn't remember anything else, including whether the car hit Willman.
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