A driver accused of causing the death of his pregnant partner after she was flung from his moving car has been granted bail in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Helena Broadbent's baby was delivered in an emergency caesarean section after the 32-year-old fell from the back seat of William Wilson's ute at Keilor Downs, in Melbourne's north-west, on September 28 last year.
Major Collision Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Darryl Out told the court Mr Wilson posed a danger to the community if released because of his driving and because he failed to stop and help his partner.
He says Ms Broadbent had made a triple zero call saying her partner was going to kill her with a hammer, and could be heard yelling at Mr Wilson that he was going to wreck the car before she screamed loudly as she was flung from the car.
Magistrate Gregory McNamara in his findings said the incident claimed the life of a young mother with two children and a third child on the way.
"She will never have the chance to being up her children," he said.
But Mr McNamara found Mr Wilson had a strong case for bail.
He rejected the prosecution's argument that Mr Wilson posed a safety risk, saying he did not have a poor driving history before the incident and "no prior history of acts of violence."
Mr McNamara said Mr Wilson had been offered suitable accommodation with a family member and said it was "significant" that Mr Wilson would have access to drug and mental health services through a court program.
Mr Wilson has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, and prosecutor Andrew McKenry had earlier argued the strength of the case and the seriousness of the alleged offence should see bail dismissed.
He had earlier told the court prosecutors had "CCTV depicting the event and a triple zero call giving a soundtrack to that event".
"It is a strong Crown case.
"If convicted, he faces a lengthy period of imprisonment with a maximum of 10 years — prison would be inevitable."
Defence lawyer Alex McLure had argued that Wilson had faced lengthy delays in his case.
Mr Wilson was granted bail with a range of conditions including that he doesn't drive, reports to police three times a week, surrender his passport and live with a family member.
He had been denied bail at a hearing in October last year.
