A 58-year-old man accused of a fatal hit-and-run in Margate, north of Brisbane, has been denied bail. Frank Moneger appeared via video link in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and leaving the scene of an incident without obtaining help.
Police allege Moneger struck and killed a 17-year-old girl, identified only as Olivia, on Monday night. The court heard Moneger sent his girlfriend a voicemail after the crash, saying he had killed someone. His son told police his father admitted to hitting someone while trying to swerve.
Police prosecutor Sheree Wild said Moneger told police on Tuesday he was involved in a crash but thought he had hit a roundabout. He did not contact police because he wanted to process what happened. Witnesses reported hearing a loud thump and seeing a driver flee the scene.
The court heard Olivia had been out drinking with friends when their vehicle broke down and she went for help. Witnesses alleged the driver was speeding and driving erratically. Moneger had a dated traffic history including DUI and driving disqualified.
Moneger told police he had been drinking on the afternoon of the incident, but intoxication tests were pending. Defence lawyer Corey Cullen argued there was no factual evidence of speeding, and a witness saw Olivia lying on the road. Acting Magistrate Jennifer Batts refused bail, citing an unacceptable risk to public safety.
