Former NSW police minister Troy Grant has broken down outside court saying his father has "offered to trade his own life" to bring back the man he is accused of killing in a fatal hit-and-run near Maitland last month.
Kenneth Grant, 70, allegedly struck and killed Tony Greenfield, 62, with his ute in Bolwarra while driving home from a party on November 30. It is alleged he failed to stop in a police pursuit and was drink-driving.
Mr Grant and Mr Greenfield were friends and had both attended the party.
"My father is devastated by what has happened, I'm devastated. All he's talked about is what a terrific person Tony and his family were. He can't speak high enough of him," former MP Troy Grant said outside of Burwood Local Court on Monday morning.
"He's offered to trade his own life to bring Tony back … that's not possible."
"The only thing we can do is try and get his family and everyone the answers as to how and why this tragedy has occurred and that journey starts today."
The NSW Health scientist was taken to John Hunter Hospital after the accident last month and pronounced dead.
Kenneth Grant, who is a former police officer, was charged with mid-range drink-driving, reckless driving and failing to stop in a police pursuit on the night of the fatal accident.
On Sunday, he handed himself in to police and was charged with a number of new offences including dangerous driving occasioning death.
Dressed in an orange shirt, Kenneth Grant appeared in court on Monday and was granted bail under strict conditions, including reporting to police daily. He will live with his son in Gladesville.
Mr Grant's son Troy, daughter-in-law and grandchildren were also in court to support him.
NSW Health Pathology chief executive Tracey McCosker said Mr Greenfield was a "highly respected and much-loved colleague who spent decades helping save the lives of many others through his work with us as a principal scientist and leader in transfusion services".
"This is an extremely distressing time and Tony will be deeply missed by many," she said, asking for privacy for Mr Greenfield's family to give them "the time and space they deserve to grieve".
