Man accused of hiding suspected driver of fatal hit-run was ‘trying to help his friend'

A man accused of hiding a driver who allegedly crashed a stolen car into another vehicle, killing a nurse, has told a court he was trying to help his friend.

Beau Thomas, 26, and Ryan Tulloch, 21, were charged with harbouring a fugitive following the arrest of alleged driver Sebastian Kennett, 20, in Melbourne last night.

“I was honestly just trying to help him and give him advice,” Thomas, of Blackburn South, told a magistrate in court today.

Kennett was wanted over the collision at Oakleigh on Monday that killed cardiac nurse Lynda Hansen, but it took police three days to track him down after he allegedly fled the scene.

Wearing a black hoodie and board shorts, he was arrested along with the two males at an address on Fulton Road in Blackburn last night, after a warrant was issued on Wednesday.

The alleged offender is charged with multiple offences including dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop after a collision with a fatality.

Thomas, charged with harbouring a known offender as well as weapons offences and outstanding warrants, was denied bail in court today.

He told the magistrate he had urged his friend, Mr Kennett, to hand himself in.

Tulloch, charged with harbouring a known offender, theft of a motor vehicle, drug possession and committing an indictable offence while on bail, made no application for bail.

Kennett has been remanded in youth detention and is scheduled to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Ms Hansen's family said the 53-year-old nurse was a "very caring and family orientated" person.

"Lynda leaves behind many shocked and devastated friends and family members," the family said in a statement.