A Hastings man has been charged following a tragic collision last month that claimed the life of local grandfather William Lothian.
Victoria Police confirmed that the 24-year-old Hastings man was arrested on Sunday morning and has now been charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving causing death, exceeding the prescribed concentration of drugs, unlicensed driving, using an unregistered vehicle, and operating an unsafe or unroadworthy vehicle.
The charges stem from a collision on 12 May about 6.40pm, when emergency services were called to Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings, after reports that a pedestrian had been struck by an e-bike. The pedestrian, identified as 69-year-old William Lothian, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to hospital. Sadly, he died a short time later.
Police allege the e-bike involved had been illegally modified, reportedly fitted with additional batteries strapped on with duct tape and cable ties, allowing speeds up to 90 km/h. The rider was also seriously injured in the crash and taken to hospital.
The Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) has led the investigation. Detectives described the crash as entirely preventable.
The accused was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
In the days following the collision, William Lothian’s brother, Raymond, called for tighter laws and stronger enforcement around high-powered e-bikes, warning they pose a growing threat to public safety.
This incident was part of a particularly deadly period on Victorian roads. In May alone, the state recorded 12 road fatalities across four days, which Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy from the MCIU described as “diabolical”.
