‘Distressed’ truck driver in court

MELBOURNE: A Melbourne truck driver accused of killing four police in a horror crash is ‘‘distressed and saddened’’ at his acts.

Mohinder Singh (47), from Cranbourne in Melbourne, is charged with culpable driving causing the deaths of Leading Senior Constable Lynnette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney as they were impounding a Porsche on the Eastern Freeway at Kew on Wednesday.

Singh did not speak and kept his head down when he appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday.

His lawyer, Steven Pica, said Singh had anxiety and depression and might have had an undiagnosed psychiatric issue his whole life.

‘‘Mr Singh remains distressed and saddened at the tragic consequences of his acts,’’ he said. Singh did not apply for bail. Prosecutors requested additional time to put together their brief of evidence.

Singh is due to return to court for a committal mention on October 1.

Meanwhile, a woman claiming to be the mother of the Porsche driver read a statement to Melbourne radio station 3AW yesterday, making it clear Richard Pusey (41) had been estranged from the family for some time.

‘‘I want to read a statement on behalf of the Pusey family because we want to disassociate ourselves with the tragedy that occurred on Wednesday night,’’ she said.

‘‘We were incredibly shocked and deeply ashamed by the [alleged] events that unfolded surrounding the accident and thereafter.

‘‘Our family have been under public scrutiny since that time in a quest to find some explanation as to Richard’s actions in this catastrophic event.

‘‘This is an insight we are unable to provide.’’

Pusey, of Fitzroy, was charged on Friday with nine offences including driving at a dangerous speed, reckless conduct endangering life, failing to render assistance and drug possession.

He was remanded in custody. — AAP