A man has been committed for trial over the hit-and-run death of beloved South Sudanese community leader Abiol Atem Manyang in May last year.
Thomas Street, 32, from Cairnlea in Melbourne's north-west, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges including reckless conduct endangering life, failing to offer help in a fatal collision and destroying documents.
Ms Manyang, 50, died after being struck on Ballarat Road in Ardeer on May 27, 2019.
Court documents allege Mr Street "did without lawful excuse recklessly engage in conduct by removing the victim from the vehicle after a collision with that victim and leaving them on the roadside that placed (them) in danger of death".
He is also alleged to have "destroyed a document to prevent it being used as evidence".
It is alleged Mr Street was driving an unregistered car at the time.
Ms Manyang was a mother of five and was known as a strong advocate for her community, particular for young people.
She was known affectionately as Mama Abiol to her friends and family.
After her death, there was an outpouring of grief in the South Sudanese community.
Some of Ms Manyang's family and friends were in the court to observe the case, which has had to be adjourned several times.
"The delay is causing them significant distress," Prosecutor Angela Moran said.
In a brief hearing in Melbourne Magistrates' Court today, Magistrate Kieran Gilligant ordered Mr Street to stand trial in the County Court.
Mr Street's bail has been continued.
He is due to appear in the Country Court again tomorrow.
