The Kiwi lawyer killed in an alleged hit-and-run in Sydney was believed to be lying on the road when he was hit by a car.
Twenty-eight-year-old Mitch East died on the road outside his Sydney house after being struck by a car that allegedly fled the scene. He'd just stepped out of an Uber after returning from a night out.
The alleged driver, Zisi Kokatatsios, appeared via video link in a Paramatta court, with his lawyer suggesting he did not have knowledge he had hit a body at 4am last Sunday.
However, Police allege that at the "time of striking the victim the car lifted up and an audible crash sound was captured on CCTV. The vehicle was seen to slow significantly".
"The accused has done the wrong thing and... has fled the scene."
Police will also allege Kokatatsios was using his cell phone at the time of the incident.
During the bail hearing his lawyer said the 63-year-old was working in the area as a rideshare driver and was on his way to pick up a client to take to Sydney Airport.
Kokatatsios, 63, sat with his head in his hand looking emotional throughout the appearance.
No family of either East or Kokatatsios were in court.
His lawyer, Mohamad Sakr, said his client apologizes for the situation.
"He is not a risk and the matter should remain before the courts and presumption of innocence should be upheld until such time."
The judge ruled "he's entitled to his freedom" and granted him parole until he next appears in May.
