Perth Teen Granted Bail in Fatal E-Bike Crash Case

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A 17-year-old boy accused of manslaughter in Perth, Australia, has been granted bail under strict conditions following an incident involving a fatal electric dirt bike collision.

The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, is alleged to have struck a 59-year-old pedestrian while riding an electric dirt bike erratically through a public park in the northern suburbs of Perth on July 26. The woman later died in the hospital from her injuries.

The accused appeared via video link before the West Australian Children’s Court, where he was granted bail. Conditions include residing with his mother in a town approximately an hour from Perth, observing a strict curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, surrendering his passport, and complying with random police checks. He is also prohibited from operating any vehicle, including electric bikes, in public areas or near international departure points.

His father is expected to join the household to share supervision responsibilities. The prosecution did not oppose the bail request, citing a favorable report from the bail service.

Defense attorney Simon Watters told the court that the boy would be subject to a structured support program during his release. Watters also noted that he had requested aerial footage recorded by a police helicopter for expert analysis, which may help determine the speed the bike was traveling at the time of the collision. He added that the bike might have experienced a mechanical malfunction.

The teen faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, driving without a license, operating an unregistered vehicle, reckless driving, and failing to stop when directed by police.

According to law enforcement, five minutes before the fatal collision, a motorbike officer attempted to stop the teen using lights and sirens. The teen reportedly accelerated and fled off-road. Due to safety concerns, the ground pursuit was called off, but the police air wing continued monitoring the individual until the crash occurred.

The case is scheduled to return to court on October 6 as investigations continue.