A Melbourne man who was allegedly behind the wheel of a car that struck and killed a father-of-four in the city's south-east has appeared in court, bruised and bloodied.
Jason Ruscoe, 30, has faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court over the incident at Carrum Downs on Tuesday morning, which left traffic worker Timmy Rakei dead.
Another worker, Shaun Kilmartin, was also injured and remains in hospital.
Mr Ruscoe is facing 14 charges including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to render assistance and driving while disqualified.
He today appeared by videolink from the Frankston police station with a large bruise under his right eye and blood on his nose.
At one point, Mr Ruscoe tried to wipe the blood from his nose and walked towards the camera to examine his face.
His defence lawyer, Karen Sheridan, told the court that her client had a head injury and possible concussion.
Ms Sheridan told the court that her client had been "assaulted".
"Mr Ruscoe has got a number of physical injuries which happened at the time of the arrest," she said.
"He urgently needs to see a nurse."
The court heard that Mr Ruscoe suffers from depression and anxiety and had not received his methadone.
"He's withdrawing from GBH, ice and alcohol," Ms Sheridan said.
He was remanded in custody.
Earlier today, another man appeared in court where he was accused of helping Mr Ruscoe evade the police.
Ashley Powell, 25, is accused of five charges including deliberately driving at police, reckless conduct and dangerous driving, and was remanded in custody.
Both men will return to court in April.
