Driver in Lamborghini crash also accused of killing spectator at burnout event

A mechanical assessment later found a brake line had likely failed during the burnout event.

DeZoete’s family watched the hearing remotely, and police warned them that confronting information might arise.

McFarlane told the court that in the aftermath of the fatal crash, Dridan was captured on body-worn camera footage saying: “I lost my brakes man, I went to pull off the pad and I couldn’t stop. I’m screaming to people, ‘Move, move’. I literally couldn’t do anything, mate. This is where I ended up.”

Police, though, allege the accused man repeatedly failed to take evasive action and avoid a fatality.

The court heard an investigation found Dridan had previously been evicted from the Summernats car competition, held in Canberra, multiple times for dangerous driving.

“It is clear from his conduct that the accused has no respect for the conduct rules,” McFarlane said.

In late November, the court heard, VicRoads suspended Dridan’s licence pending the outcome of a medical review.

On January 11, he was allegedly caught speeding and running a red light on the Midland Highway in Ballarat. He was again detected driving on January 26 and his car was impounded.

McFarlane said the licence suspension was lifted on April 9 and on April 16 the accused man tested positive for methamphetamine after being intercepted driving a white 2011 Lamborghini.

Then, on Friday, Dridan was behind the wheel of a high-powered Lamborghini in Sebastopol when he allegedly lost control at a roundabout and crashed into a family home.

The prosecution said Dridan’s driving history also included 10 penalty notices for offences including driving without P-plates, using a mobile phone while driving, speeding and having an unrestrained child in his vehicle.

Police had also impounded a total of three cars connected to the accused and feared that if released on bail, he would continue to access cars through his mechanic business and drive while impaired by drugs, McFarlane said.

Dridan is charged with offences including dangerous driving causing death, reckless conduct and driving in a dangerous manner.

“It seems like he’s just going to drive anybody’s car. It’s a concern,” McFarlane told the court.

Defence lawyer Alexander Patton said his client was a vulnerable person with mental health challenges and should be bailed to live at home with his mother.

Magistrate Guillaume Bailin disagreed and said Dridan had repeatedly put the community at risk after a man died as a result of his alleged actions.

“He is involved in an incident where someone dies. You say this has had profound impact on his mental health, and somehow that’s not enough for him to comply with the law,” Bailin said.

“His conduct over the last six months shows a flagrant disregard for the community.