NZborn youth jailed for killing motorcyclist

MELBOURNE: A Victorian judge wept as she jailed a New Zealandborn teenage youth for at least four years for killing a Melbourne motorcyclist in a ‘‘catastrophic’’ hitandrun crash.

Keith Stevens (33) was dragged 85m underneath the stolen BMW driven by the 17yearold, who paused only to dislodge the rider when begged by his teen passengers, and then drove away.

Mr Stevens was engulfed by flames as petrol and oil from the bike caught fire, and he died in hospital the next day from deep burns to 80% of his body.

County Court Judge Irene Lawson cried when describing the void left by Mr Stevens’ death at the hands of the now 18yearold, who cannot be named.

‘‘You have senselessly and cruelly deprived a community of a loving father, son, partner, brother, uncle and friend,’’ she said.

The crime spree did not end there. He and his passengers dumped the BMW on the Eastern Freeway and attempted to break into two nearby homes. At a third, they broke in and stole keys, a wallet and phone before driving away in the home owner’s car, which was later abandoned and ignited.

Judge Lawson said the defend ant relapsed into drug use and crime at the time of the November 2017 crash, onselling stolen cars for income.

His guilty pleas to culpable driving causing death, robbery and other charges indicated some remorse and she found he had good rehabilitation prospects.

She said the offending justified time in adult prison, but would recommend all or part be served in youth detention. The Adult Parole Board makes the final decision.

The New Zealandborn youth faces deportation on release. — AAP